ickey Mouse is arguably the most famous of the
Disney cartoon characters. Making his debut in "Steamboat Willie" at the Colony
Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1928, Mickey went on to star in over
120 different cartoons. He also starred in "The Mickey Mouse Club" television
show of the 1950s.
Mickey Mouse's original drawings used circles for his head, body and ears. 1939's
"The Pointer" saw a bold, new design for Mickey as his body became more pear-shaped
and pupils were added to his eyes to increase his range of expression. Later on,
animators of the 1940s would add a perspective aspect to his ears, giving them a
three-dimensional effect. This change, however, was short-lived. The Mickey
Mouse of today appears much as he did in the early days with the exception of a
costume change here and there.
Originally, Mickey was voiced by Walt Disney himself. Later, those duties were
assumed by Jim Macdonald and today Wayne Allwine provides Mickey's distinctive
voice.
Mickey Mouse has appeared on thousands of merchandise items, and currently holds
the esteemed title of Chief Greeter at the Disney theme parks.
