ORLANDO, Fla. — Oh boy! It's time to celebrate Walt Disney's most iconic character, the one who started it all — Mickey Mouse!
On Nov. 18, 1928, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks released the Walt Disney Company's first short film, "Steamboat Willie." It was one of the first "talking" movies with a synchronized musical soundtrack and sounds. The captain of the titular ship was none other than Mickey Mouse, although he may look slightly different now than when he first appeared to the public.
In the 96 years since his on-screen debut, Mickey Mouse has become ubiquitous with the Walt Disney Company.
Here's a look at Mickey Mouse and his ongoing legacy:
When is Mickey Mouse's birthday?
Mickey Mouse was "born" on Nov. 18, 1928, when the short film "Steamboat Willie" was released by the then-struggling Walt Disney Company. According to the Walt Disney Family Museum, "Steamboat Willie" may have been the first short film shown in front of an audience, but it wasn't the first appearance of our friend Mickey.
In May 1928, the first completed Mickey Mouse cartoon was called "Plane Crazy," inspired by Charles Lindbergh's first solo flight across the Atlantic. It premiered in Hollywood as a test screening but wasn't picked up for distribution.
A second Mickey Mouse cartoon called "The Gallopin' Gaucho" also failed to be distributed to audiences.
Because "Steamboat Willie" was also the first appearance of Minnie Mouse, Nov. 18 is also considered her birthday.
When was Mickey Mouse created?
According to a 1948 essay penned by Walt Disney, the creation of Mickey Mouse began on a 1928 train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood. Disney was reeling from the "brazen theft" of his successful cartoon character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and most of his artists by Universal distributor Charles Mintz.
The loss of Oswald and the artists left the fledgling Walt Disney Company in jeopardy.
But it was on that train ride that Mickey Mouse "popped out" of Disney's mind and onto his drawing pad.
From there, Ub Iwerks further refined and developed the first iteration of Mickey Mouse.
Mickey's changing face
"Mickey’s appearance and personality have noticeably shifted during these past 90 years, reflecting the cultural values of the time as well as new trends in animation," the Walt Disney Family Museum said.
His early personality, as well as his looks, have evolved into the character we know and love today.
In the beginning, Mickey Mouse was more of a mischievous character who acted more like a teenager or young boy. In his first appearance in "Plane Crazy," he was missing his iconic white gloves and oversized shoes.
But over time, Mickey would evolve to be more of an "endearing romantic and humble hero."
So too would his look. His facial features softened and he appeared younger while his personality matured. Animator Fred Moore is credited with this new Mickey Mouse design.
Is Mickey Mouse in the public domain?
On Jan. 1, 2024, a version of Disney's iconic mascot, Mickey Mouse, became one of the latest creative works to enter the public domain.
The original version of Mickey Mouse from “Steamboat Willie,” an eight-minute short film released in 1928, entered the public domain on Jan. 1, 2024, 96 years from the date of publication. This means no permission will be needed to copy or use the original version of the Mickey Mouse character featured in the short film.
The original version of Mickey Mouse featured in “Steamboat Willie” had black eyes, small ears and a pointy nose. Over time, Mickey Mouse’s appearance has evolved to the version we know today — and that Mickey is still protected by copyright.
Tegna Verify's Kelly Jones contributed to this report.
