
Lena was portrayed by the late Shelley Winters, Merle was portrayed by the late Charles Tyner, Grover was portrayed by Gary Morgan, and Willie was portrayed by the late Jeff Conaway. Eventually Pete can no longer put up with the abuse and flees, but they pursue him, only to be repeatedly driven off by the titular dragon, Elliott. They are an abusive family of hillbillies who treat the orphaned protagonist ( Pete) as a slave.

The Gogan Family are major antagonists in the Disney's 1977 film Pete's Dragon.

Lena Gogan: If you think you're gonna hold her, like my boys wanna hold her, you're gonna be holdin' your head, ya understand? Merle: Alright, I'll settle this: You two grab the brat, I'LL hold her. Willie, you grab onto Pete, while I hold onto her.

Merle: Okay lady, we're gonna take him whether you like it or not. Lena Gogan: Now you're never gonna get away AGAIN! We're gonna put chains on you when you're workin'! Lena Gogan: NOWHERE! You're hokey pokey dragon is out helpin' Santa Claus pull his sled! Boys?!
