It would be impossible to separate the history of animation from the most famous character in the Disney universe: Mickey Mouse. Yet although Mickey was the first Disney character to make a lasting impression, he has actually appeared in fewer theatrical projects than his feathered friend, Donald Duck.
Not including TV episodes and direct-to-video releases, Donald Duck has been featured in 197 theatrical films (both feature-length and shorts), the most recent of which was Fantasia 2000 in 1999, compared to 167 for Mickey Mouse.
The first theatrical short to feature Donald Duck was The Wise Little Hen in 1934. Later that year, he co-starred with Mickey Mouse in Orphans' Benefit, a slapstick-heavy short that developed his personality significantly, introducing audiences to Donald’s determined and hot-tempered nature, as well as iconic antics such as hopping on one foot and swinging his fist. And, of course, Donald Duck wouldn’t be Donald Duck without his sailor suit and hard-to-understand voice (provided by Clarence Nash from 1934 to 1985).
Though audiences were initially divided in their opinion of Donald Duck, they reacted strongly to the character, encouraging the Walt Disney Company to include him in many more films. Donald’s family soon expanded with the introduction of his girlfriend, Daisy Duck (originally called Donna Duck), his mischievous nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and later, his rich uncle, Scrooge McDuck.
In many storylines, Donald Duck is the foil or competitor to Mickey Mouse, invariably losing his temper when his best friend wins or becomes the star of the show. Audiences found Donald Duck to be more relatable than the perpetually optimistic Mickey.
”Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!”
- Donald Duck inspired the mascots for the University of Oregon and the United States Coast Guard.
- Donald Duck received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004, thanks in part to his appearance in so many military cartoons, such as Donald Gets Drafted and Commando Duck during World War II. Donald Gets Drafted revealed that the character’s middle name is Fauntleroy, as this appears on his Selective Service draft card.
- According to Disney, Donald Duck’s birthday is July 9, which is the date when The Wise Little Hen debuted in 1934.
