Happy birthday, Donald Duck! The world’s best-known fit-thrower turns 75 today, though you wouldn’t know it by his behavior! Donald Fauntleroy Duck first appeared on this date in 1934. Appropriately enough, he was in a Silly Symphony – “The Wise Hen.” Since June 9 was Donald’s first appearance, it’s been his official birthday, but the unfortunate duck was apparently born with bad luck. In “The Three Caballeros” (1944), his birthday is given as Friday the 13th (a month wasn’t given), then in “Donald’s Happy Birthday” (1949), we learn that it’s March 13.
Despite so many cartoons detailing his woes and misfortunes, Donald hasn’t had it all that bad in his long life. Just check out these stats:
- He had his own daily comic strip that began on February 7, 1938.
- He had more cartoons in theaters in the 1940s than Mickey Mouse.
- He won an Academy Award in 1943 for “Der Fuehrer’s Face.”
- He’s been in over 128 cartoons. Name another actor that’s been in that many films.
- He’s the only cartoon character to be the mascot for a major American university (University of Oregon).
- He’s got a degree – sort of. He’s an honorary alumnus of University of Oregon.
- He’s got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
All in all, I’d say old Donald’s had a pretty good life. Here’s to another 75, Donald!
