Mickey Mouse is perhaps the most famous cartoon character in motion-picture history. Walt Disney introduced Mickey in several animated short films in 1928. By the 1930's, the pleasant, easygoing mouse was internationally famous. The Mickey Mouse character has been featured in countless games and toys. Mickey Mouse wristwatches have become collectors' items.

Mickey Mouse first appeared on screen on Nov. 18, 1928, in Steamboat Willie, one of the earliest sound cartoons. Disney himself provided Mickey's high-pitched voice. Walt Disney and his partner Ub Iwerks had made two earlier silent movie cartoons starring Mickey, Plane Crazy and Gallopin' Gaucho. But those cartoons were not released until later in 1928, after sound had been added to them. Other characters in the Mickey Mouse cartoons included his girlfriend, Minnie Mouse, and his pet dog, Pluto. Mickey made his feature film debut in 1940 in a segment of the acclaimed Disney animated film Fantasia. Mickey Mouse starred in 118 cartoons through 1953.

A popular Mickey Mouse newspaper comic strip began in 1930, and Mickey Mouse was one of several Disney characters to appear in comic books in North America and Europe after the end of World War II in 1945. The Mickey Mouse character also starred in a popular children's television show called "The Mickey Mouse Club" from 1955 to 1959. Its cast included the actress Annette Funicello, who went on to a successful career in movies. The cap that featured Mickey Mouse ears became popular with children. Two later versions of the show ran in 1977 and 1978 and from 1989 to 1995. During the final two seasons, its cast included the future entertainment stars Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake. Mickey Mouse continues to appear in licensed items for the Disney company, including video games and cartoons.

Steamboat Willie

Mickey Mouse Club

Contributor

• Thomas Spurgeon, B.A., former Publisher, The Comics Reporter.