Happy Birthday, Mickey Mouse!

Today, November 18, 2008, is the birthday of one of the most iconic cartoon characters in the world, Mickey Mouse, and he turns 80 years old! On this day in 1928, Walt Disney debuted Mickey Mouse to the world in his cartoon, “Steamboat Willie.” Since that day 80 years ago, Mickey Mouse has been a household name; but do you know what his name was before he was Mickey Mouse? A little known fact is that Mickey original name was Mortimer Mouse. Walt’s wife, Lilly, didn’t think that the animated mouse looked like a Mortimer, and thanks to her suggestion Walt’s mouse was named Mickey. Can you imagine a Mortimer Mouse?

Today, Mickey Mouse and Disney are as big as ever and are world-renowned. From big beach towels to computer mouse pads, his face can be seen on anything you can purchase today. So, join me today in wishing our favorite animated mouse a big, Happy Birthday Mickey!