This Day in Pop Culture for June 9

1934: Happy Birthday Donald

The grumpy sidekick of Mickey Mouse, Donald Fauntleroy Duck, was “born” on this day in 1934 when he made his first big screen appearance in Walt Disney’s Silly Symphony short, The Wise Little Hen. He was pretty much on his best behavior for his first film, but he earned his reputation for being a hothead soon after in Orphan’s Benefit. By 1937, he was given his own film series. Over the years, the fowl-mouthed one has appeared in over 150 theatrical films; more than any other Disney character. In addition, his is also one of comic books’ biggest stars. In 1938, he appeared in his own daily newspaper comic strip which continued to run until 1995. Donald has been the official mascot for the University of Oregon and the U.S. Coast Guard, his footprints were featured in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 1984, got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 and currently stars in the reboot of DuckTales. The voice of Mr. Duck has been supplied by Clarence Nash (from 1934-1985), Tony Anselmo (since 1985) and for Mickey and the Roadster Racers, he is voiced by Daniel Ross. (Image: Wikimedia)

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