Oona is one of the six original preschool "guppies" in the hit Nickelodeon animated series Bubble Guppies. Known for her soft-spoken nature, amethyst-purple hair, and a heart as vast as the ocean, she serves as the group’s primary source of empathy and gentle curiosity. Throughout the show's six-season run, Oona has evolved from a shy observer into a confident learner who teaches young viewers the importance of kindness, patience, and emotional intelligence.

Defining the Gentle Soul of Bubble Guppies

In the colorful world of Bubbletucky, each character brings a distinct energy to the classroom. While Gil is the energetic joker and Molly is the natural leader, Oona occupies a unique space as the "gentle soul." Her personality is rooted in her ability to sense the feelings of others, whether it is a fellow guppy, a small animal, or even a wilting flower.

Her role in the group is often described by fans and child development experts as the "empath." When another character is upset or facing a dilemma, Oona is typically the first to offer a listening ear or a comforting word. This makes her an essential component of the show’s social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, providing a model for how children can interact with their peers with sensitivity.

What is Oona’s Personality Type?

Character analysts often classify Oona within the "Four-Temperament Ensemble" as the Phlegmatic member of the group. This means she is calm, easy-going, and seeks to avoid conflict. In the dynamic of "Red Oni, Blue Oni," Oona is frequently paired against the zanier, high-energy Deema. Where Deema is loud and dramatic, Oona is soft and sincere.

However, being gentle does not mean she lacks curiosity. Oona is famous for her signature catchphrase, "Makes sense to me!" Usually uttered after Mr. Grouper explains a new concept, this phrase highlights her eagerness to learn and her open-mindedness toward new information.

The Visual Design and Style of Oona

Oona’s design is distinct among the cast, blending a specific color palette with features that suggest her background and personality. She is one of the two characters (along with the later-added Zooli) to have almond-shaped eyes, which many viewers interpret as a representation of East Asian heritage. This subtle inclusion provides important representation in preschool media, allowing a diverse audience to see themselves reflected in the undersea world.

Key Features of Oona’s Appearance:

  • Amethyst Purple Hair: Her hair is a vibrant shade of purple, styled in two low pigtails. Unlike Molly’s long flowing hair or Deema’s massive blonde curls, Oona’s pigtails are neat and practical, held together by pink hair ties.
  • The Star Accessory: Tucked into her hair is a signature pink star-shaped clip, which has become a staple of her silhouette.
  • The Purple and Pink Tail: Her mermaid tail is primarily dark purple with wavy, horizontal pink stripes. Notably, Oona is one of the few female guppies who wears a "one-piece" style tail/top combination in early seasons, whereas Molly and Deema wear bikini-style tops.
  • Tan Skin Tone: Oona has a light tan skin tone that distinguishes her from the fairer complexions of Nonny or Deema.

The Evolution of Oona’s Voice: Meet the Actresses

Because Bubble Guppies ran for over a decade, the child actors who voiced the characters eventually grew up and had to be replaced to maintain the youthful sound of the preschoolers. Oona has been brought to life by four talented actresses, each contributing to her sweet and sincere persona.

Reyna Shaskan (Seasons 1–2)

Reyna Shaskan originated the role. She established Oona’s characteristic softness and the slightly high-pitched, innocent tone that defined the character’s early years. Shaskan’s performance was crucial in setting the "template" for Oona’s personality, especially during the show's most formative episodes.

Tori Feinstein (Seasons 3–4)

As the show entered its middle seasons, Tori Feinstein took over the role. Feinstein successfully maintained the character’s essence while Oona began to take on more prominent roles in the story segments. During this era, Oona’s singing voice became more prominent, showcasing the character’s growing confidence.

Colby Kipnes (Seasons 5–6)

When the show was revived for its fifth season after a brief hiatus, Colby Kipnes stepped in. Kipnes voiced Oona during a significant shift in the show's format, where the story segments became more expansive and action-oriented.

Mia Lynn Bangunan (Season 6)

In the final season, Mia Lynn Bangunan provided the voice for Oona. Bangunan’s performance ensured that even as the show reached its conclusion, Oona remained the same empathetic and kind character that audiences had loved since 2011.

Oona’s Role in the Guppy Social Circle

Relationships are at the heart of the Bubble Guppies experience. Oona interacts with every character in a unique way, but her bond with certain peers stands out as particularly meaningful.

The Special Bond with Nonny

Perhaps the most beloved pairing in the show is the friendship between Oona and Nonny. Both characters represent a "quieter" energy compared to the rest of the group. Nonny is highly intellectual and literal, often appearing emotionless or overly serious. Oona, with her high emotional intelligence, acts as a perfect balance to him.

In many episodes, Oona is the one who encourages Nonny to try new things or helps interpret social situations for him. They are frequently seen sitting together during lunch or playing together during recess. Fans often note that while other characters might find Nonny’s stoicism confusing, Oona accepts him exactly as he is.

Friendship with Deema

While Oona and Deema are personality opposites, they are very close friends. This is most evident during the "Shop" segments of the show. Often, Oona will play the role of the customer entering Deema’s shop. The two engage in playful roleplay, where Deema’s dramatic flair is tempered by Oona’s polite and curious questions. This dynamic teaches children that you don't have to be identical to your friends to have a deep and rewarding relationship.

Relationship with Molly and Gil

As the hosts of the show, Molly and Gil interact with Oona as peers and leaders. Oona often looks to Molly for guidance, and they share a sisterly bond centered on creativity and drawing. With Gil, Oona often participates in the imaginative story segments, sometimes playing the voice of reason when Gil gets carried away by his own silliness.

Artistic and Musical Talents: The Drummer in the Deep

Every Bubble Guppy is a triple threat—they sing, dance, and play instruments. Despite her shy demeanor, Oona is a powerhouse when it comes to the show’s musical numbers.

Oona on the Drums

One of the most surprising aspects of Oona’s character is that she is the primary drummer of the group. While her personality is quiet, her rhythm is loud and steady. In numerous "pop song" segments, particularly during Season 2, Oona can be seen behind a drum kit, driving the beat for songs like "At the Zoo" and "Brave, Brave Knights." This subversion of the "quiet girl" trope is a brilliant design choice, showing that sensitive individuals can still have a powerful presence.

Singing and Dancing

Oona’s singing voice is sweet and melodic. While she does not sing as many lead solos as Molly or Deema, her contributions to the harmonies are vital. One of her most memorable solo moments occurs in the episode "Call a Clambulance!", where she expresses her worry and care for her friend Avi.

In terms of dancing, Oona is highly coordinated. She often follows Deema’s lead in more complex routines, showing her ability to work as part of a synchronized team. Whether it’s the "Outside Song" or a specific dance for a theme, Oona brings a graceful energy to the choreography.

Essential Oona Episodes: A Viewer’s Guide

To truly understand Oona’s character, one must look at the episodes where she takes center stage. These stories highlight her growth and her core values.

"Call a Clambulance!" (Season 1)

This is arguably the most important Oona episode. When her friend Avi falls and breaks his tail, Oona is devastated. The episode follows her journey as she learns about doctors, hospitals, and the healing process. Her empathy is the driving force of the narrative, and it serves as an excellent introduction for children who might be afraid of medical check-ups.

"The Spring Chicken is Coming!" (Season 1)

In this episode, Oona demonstrates the virtue of patience. She is excited for the arrival of spring, but her flower hasn't bloomed yet. Instead of getting angry or giving up, she learns that growth takes time. The moment her flower finally blooms behind the bench is a small but significant victory for her character.

"Boy Meets Squirrel!" (Season 4)

This episode highlights Oona’s eco-friendly nature. When she has a piece of paper she no longer needs, she asks Mr. Grouper what to do with it. Instead of throwing it in the trash, she learns about recycling. This reflects her broader character trait of being a "friend to all living things," extending her care from animals to the environment itself.

"Bubble-Cadabra!" (Season 2)

During a magic show segment, Oona becomes genuinely worried when she thinks Goby has actually disappeared. Her reaction—a mix of concern and eventual relief—showcases her deep emotional investment in her friends. The hug she gives Goby when he reappears is one of the most heartwarming moments in the series.

Oona’s Educational Impact: Teaching Social-Emotional Skills

Bubble Guppies is designed to prepare children for the transition to school, and Oona plays a vital role in the "social" part of that preparation. Her character teaches several key lessons:

  1. Validating Emotions: By showing Oona being worried or sad, the show tells children that it is okay to feel deeply.
  2. The Value of Listening: Oona is a "listener." In a world that often rewards the loudest voice, she shows that paying attention to others is a form of strength.
  3. Kindness as a Choice: Oona’s kindness isn't passive; it’s an active choice she makes in every interaction.
  4. Curiosity over Fear: When faced with the unknown, Oona asks questions. This encourages preschoolers to approach new situations with curiosity rather than anxiety.

Behind the Scenes: The Creation of Oona

The creators of Bubble Guppies, Jonny Belt and Robert Scull, wanted a cast that felt like a real preschool classroom. Oona was designed to represent the child who is observant and thoughtful. The animation, performed using 3D software (transitioning through different studios like WildBrain, Nelvana, and Jam Filled Entertainment), gives Oona a soft, rounded appearance that matches her personality.

Interestingly, Oona’s character design remained remarkably consistent even as the show’s format changed in Seasons 5 and 6. While the "Shop" and "Lunch" segments were integrated more directly into the main story, Oona’s role as the compassionate heart of the group never wavered.

Is Oona a Vegetarian?

A common piece of fan trivia involves Oona’s diet. For a long time, because of her love for animals and plants, many viewers assumed she was a vegetarian. However, the show has subtly debunked this in various lunch segments. In "The Legend of Pinkfoot," she is seen eating a turkey sandwich, and in "The Lonely Rhino!", she enjoys a cheeseburger. While she loves animals, her diet appears to be that of a typical preschooler.

Oona in "Super Princess Mermaids"

In 2025, the Bubble Guppies universe expanded with the spinoff Super Princess Mermaids. Oona naturally fits into this magical sub-series, where her gentle nature is often translated into a "fairy-tale" princess role. This spinoff continues to emphasize her empathy, often giving her "magical" ways to heal or help the creatures of the sea, further cementing her legacy as a character defined by care.

Summary of Oona’s Character Profile

To summarize, Oona is much more than just a girl with purple hair. She is a carefully crafted character designed to teach the next generation about the power of empathy.

  • Role: Tritagonist and Empath.
  • Signature Style: Amethyst pigtails, star clip, purple/pink striped tail.
  • Best Friend: Nonny.
  • Key Skill: Drumming and listening.
  • Core Value: Empathy and curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Oona’s best friend in Bubble Guppies?

Oona’s closest friend is Nonny. They share a quiet, observant nature and are frequently seen together during school activities and lunch. She is also very close with Deema, despite their opposite personalities.

What is Oona’s catchphrase?

Oona is best known for saying "Makes sense to me!" whenever she learns something new or hears an explanation from Mr. Grouper.

What color is Oona’s hair?

Oona has amethyst-purple hair, which she wears in two low pigtails secured with pink ties and a star-shaped clip.

What instrument does Oona play?

Oona is the primary drummer for the Bubble Guppies. She has also been seen playing the guitar and the tambourine in various musical segments.

Why does Oona have almond-shaped eyes?

Oona’s almond-shaped eyes are a design choice intended to reflect diversity within the cast, commonly interpreted as giving her an East Asian appearance. This ensures that the show represents a wide range of children.

What is Oona’s favorite color?

While her hair and tail are purple, her favorite color is generally considered to be pink, as evidenced by her hair accessories and the stripes on her tail. However, in the episode "The Crayon Prix!", she drove a canary-yellow car.

Is Oona in all seasons of Bubble Guppies?

Yes, Oona is a main character and appears in all six seasons of the original series, as well as the spinoff Super Princess Mermaids.

Conclusion

Oona remains one of the most beloved characters in preschool television because she represents the best of us: the part that cares, the part that listens, and the part that finds wonder in the smallest things. Whether she is drumming along to a catchy pop song or helping a friend with a broken tail, Oona proves that being the "sweetest" member of the group is a powerful and necessary role. For parents and children alike, she is a reminder that in a big, loud world, there is always room for a little kindness.