On the old “Today” show, what was the chimp’s girlfriend’s name?

By Cecil Adams

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Dear Cecil: For some reason the other day I happened to think about the chimp who used to appear on the old Today show with Dave Garroway. His name, etched in my memory forever, was J. Fred Muggs. However, I also have a dim recollection of J. Fred having a girl friend, but I can’t remember her name for the life of me. My friends insist I’m making the whole thing up, so I can only throw myself on your tender mercies. Did J. Fred Muggs have a lady companion, and if so, what was her name? Mandy R., Washington

Cecil replies:

Heartfelt pleas like yours never fail to move me, and so it gives me great pleasure to report that J. Fred did indeed come equipped with a female consort. Her name–mellifluous and beguiling, as befits a creature of her tremendous delicacy and charm–was Phoebe B. Beebee.

Cecil Adams

Send questions to Cecil via cecil@straightdope.com.