Walt Disney’s iconic cartoon character Mickey Mouse made his debut on November 18, 1928, in the animated short “Steamboat Willie.”
(Minnie also made her public debut the same day, so… Happy Birthday to Minnie, too!)
Walt Disney used his own voice to create Mickey’s squeaky sounds in the cartoon. Often called Walt Disney’s alter ego, by the numerous artists who have drawn him over the years. “Steamboat Willie” is recognized as the world’s first cartoon with synchronized sound and launched a dynasty. More than 100 Mickey Mouse cartoons were produced during the 1930s.
By the way, the most successful Mickey Mouse merchandise ever created was the Mickey Mouse watch. Following its debut in 1933, more than 2.5 million were sold within two years. A Mickey Mouse watch was also included in the time capsule at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York.
