Happy Birthday, Mickey Mouse!

The most famous rodent on Earth was born on November 18, 1928.

He is looking good, for turning 86! According to the International Business Times this lovable, fictional mouse became the enduring symbol of the Walt Disney Company.  For many years now, he has signified animation, goodwill, laughter and most importantly, Walt Disney himself.

I remember this goofy, awkward mouse sporting his red shorts with white buttons, white gloves, huge yellow shoes and round ears always getting in trouble in most of his movies.  He would usually choose fun and adventure over working, something his girlfriend, Minnie Mouse disliked.  Then, he and his good pals, Goofy and Donald seemed to end their day in some type of failure.

In 1928, Mickey appeared in his first animated short film, Steamboat Willie and went on to become a familiar figure at Walt Disney studios.   A fond memory from my childhood was watching Mickey gracefully dance and whistle across the screen in dozens of Disney cartoon movies. Then, in 1940 he starred in the feature, Fantasia, and became one of the world’s best-known cartoon characters.

On his 50^th birthday, Mickey became the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

As we stroll down memory lane, looking at the life of Mickey, there are also a few interesting quotes you may have never heard before. Former US President Jimmy Carter once said, “Mickey Mouse is the symbol of goodwill, surpassing all languages and cultures. When one sees Mickey Mouse, they see happiness.”

Walt Disney, Mickey’s creator is famous for saying, “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever!”

A few quotes you may have heard Mickey Mouse, himself, say include:

“To laugh at yourself is to love yourself.”

“Don’t stress over anything you can’t change.”

“Live every moment as not to regret what you are about to do.”

Who would have thought you could learn such great life lessons from a fictional cartoon character!