The History of Mickey Mouse

Written by: Natalie Yao

History

When Walt Disney began making animated films, the main focus was not Mickey Mouse, but a character named Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. But when Disney lost the rights over Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, he created Mickey Mouse to take over. Mickey Mouse was first introduced to the public on November 18, 1928. Since then, the character has become a worldwide sensation. Mickey Mouse debuted through a cartoon called Steamboat Willie, which was also the first Mickey Mouse film to include sound. In fact, Mickey Mouse’s squeaks were actually voiced by Walt Disney himself. This is in contrast to the next films that were released, like Plane Crazy and Gallopin’ Gaucho, which were silent films.

The Mickey Mouse look that we are familiar with now have also not always been the same. When Mickey debuted in Steamboat Willie, he did not have his signature white gloves and large shoes. It was not until the release of Gallopin’ Gaucho did he have his oversized shoes. As for his gloves, they were not seen until the 1928 film The Opry House, and did not stick until the short When the Cat’s Away was released later that year. 

While Mickey Mouse’s girlfriend, Minnie Mouse, was introduced along with Mickey in Steamboat Willie, their other friends were not introduced until a couple years later. Pluto was the first friend to debut in 1930, and Goofy, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck were introduced respectively in later years. The crew was completed in 1943 when Chip and Dale were introduced. Some recent shows featuring all of their friends are Mickey Mouse and Friends, created in 1994, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, created in 2006.

Fun Facts

• Mickey’s name was originally supposed to be Mortimer Mouse

• Mickey is the only Disney character to be featured in all Disney theme parks

• Mickey Mouse is the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, added on his fiftieth birthday

• Mickey has different names in different countries, like Mi Lao Shu in China and Topolino in Italy

• Mickey Mouse’s first words were “Hot dog! Hot dog!”

• Mickey Mouse has won an Oscar award and multiple Emmy awards!

• Mickey Mouse’s ears were designed to look the same from any angle so that he could be easily recognized