Pinky Tuscadero

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2009)

Pinky Tuscadero was a character on the American television sitcom Happy Days played by Roz Kelly. She appeared in three episodes in the the fourth season. Pinky was supposed to become a regular cast member and a love interest for Fonzie, but problems between actress Roz Kelly and the producers resulted in her appearing in only the first three episodes of the fourth season. Her sister, Leather Tuscadero, was played by Suzi Quatro.

Pinky is first introduced in "Fonzie Loves Pinky Part 1" hitting her hand against her right fist twice and snapping. Her outfits were mostly pink and white. She had red hair, and was accompanied by a group of sidekicks known as "The Pinkettes". Pinky was also an expert motorcycle driver.

[edit] Relationship with Fonzie

Pinky could be described as a female version of Fonzie in terms of personality, and it is obvious that Fonzie cares a lot about Pinky. Throughout the entire series, Pinky is the only woman (besides Mrs. C.) who ever made Fonzie blush. After their reunion, they spend a lot of time together dancing and riding motorcycles.

Fonzie soon discovers that his partner for the upcoming demolition derby, Nookie Newman, can no longer participate in it. Pinky suggests that she could be Fonzie's new partner, but he refuses as a woman has never been a driver in a derby. Fonzie chooses Ralph Malph as his partner instead and inadvertently angers Pinky. Later, at the Cunninghams, Pinky attempts to convince him to change his mind, to no avail. Pinky resorts to flirting with another driver, "Count" Malachi, and Fonzie relents saying, "Pinky rides with me."

At the derby, Pinky gets a concussion. She refused to wear a helmet because, as she says, "that's not me." She was hit by the Malachi brothers while Pinky was on her car's hood, as the engine had stalled. Fonzie rushes over to Pinky and holds her in his arms. She kisses him lightly and gives him her scarf before being taken to the hospital. Fonzie wins the derby, then rushes off to see Pinky in the hospital, where she convinces him that she is fine.

Fonzie proposes to Pinky and she accepts. However, Fonzie soon feels that he can't become "Mr. Pinky Tuscadero" and he tells Pinky that she should leave Milwaukee and enjoy the fame that she's earned. Pinky agrees with Fonzie and the two decide to part ways. Right before Pinky leaves, a photographer refers to Fonzie as "Mr. Tuscadero", to which Pinky responds, "Hey! That's The Fonz!", implying that they truly loved and respected each other.

[edit] Other uses of the name

Pinky Tuscadero was also the name of a female-fronted punk band from Sydney, Australia that existed between 2003 and 2006. They released one EP, Look Your Best, distributed through Reverberation Records.