You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but Mickey Mouse turned 86 years old today. He made his official debut on November 18, 1928 appearing in the film "Steamboat Willie" and has been entertaining girls and boys of all ages ever since. Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!
In recognition of Mickey's birthday, here are a few fun facts provided to A GEEK DADDY blog from our friends at the Disney PR department:
- Walt initially named Mickey Mouse “Mortimer,” until Walt’s wife, Lily, suggested “Mickey” was a better choice.
- The short film “Steamboat Willie” was the first short starring Mickey Mouse released, but was actually the third created. The first two, “Plane Crazy” and “The Gallopin’ Gaucho,” initially failed to find distributors, but were picked up and released later.
- The first Mickey Mouse Club was formed by theater owner Harry Woodin in Los Angeles. On his own accord, Woodin devoted Saturday afternoons in his theater to showing only Mickey Mouse shorts and led children in a Mickey Mouse pledge. Walt later partnered with Woodin and spread the idea of Mickey Mouse Clubs to movie theaters across the nation.
- The first Mickey short in which Mickey spoke was “The Karnival Kid,” the ninth Mickey short, which was released in July 1929. His first words: “Hot dog!”
- Walt Disney wasn’t satisfied with the first few actors chosen to provide a voice for Mickey Mouse, so he did it, and continued to do so through about 1947.
- A Mickey Mouse comic strip, penned by Ub Iwerks, launched in January 1930, and at its height was printed in 40 newspapers in 22 countries.
- The first piece of Mickey Mouse merchandise was a tablet of paper that featured the mouse, designed for children. The first Mickey Mouse doll was designed in 1930.
- When Walt Disney was contemplating a name for his first theme park (Disneyland park), he once considered calling it “Mickey Mouse Village.”
- Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which was given on his birthday (November 18) in 1978.
We went on a 7 day Disney Cruise vacation 3 years ago. Best vacation of my life!
ReplyDeleteAwww we love Disney!
ReplyDeleteAww! I didn't know Mickey was that old! Love the fun Disney facts, too! So glad Mickey's name and the park name weren't the original thoughts! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this! It's so fun learning new facts about something you've known you're whole life.
ReplyDeleteWow, you mean I almost share a birthday with Mickey Mouse by one day!! How awesome is that!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! I had no idea Walt Disney was the voice of Mickey Mouse until now, so cool.
ReplyDelete