Who made Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer famous?

While Robert L. May wrote the original poem "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1939 for Montgomery Ward, it was the 1964 Rankin/Bass animated television special that truly made Rudolph famous.

The special, with its memorable songs and charming animation, resonated with viewers and solidified Rudolph's place as a holiday icon. It's been re-aired every year since, introducing new generations to the tale of the reindeer with the glowing nose.