KUALA LUMPUR – It’s time to celebrate Mickey and Minnie’s birthday. Created back in 1928, Mickey and Minnie have been part of many of our childhoods and continue to be one of the most iconic cartoon characters today.
In honour of their birthday on November 18, here are seven lesser-known facts about these household names that you probably didn’t know.
1. Mickey almost had a different name
When Walt Disney first created Mickey Mouse in 1928, Mickey was originally going to be named Mortimer. Lucky for us, we can thank Lillian, Walt Disney’s wife, for talking him out of it as she felt it was too pompous. “Mortimer Mouse and Minnie Mouse” definitely doesn’t quite have the same ring to it!
2. Mickey and Minnie are not married
Contrary to popular belief, Mickey and Minnie are not married, nor are they siblings (despite sharing the same birthday). Even without being a married couple, Mickey sure does set the bar high for love, as he’s forever courting Minnie as his one-and-only.
3. More than just typical cartoon characters
Mickey and Minnie were created to break down stereotypical cartoon characters – where they were both one of the first cartoon characters created with personalities in mind. Mickey, known for his eternal optimism, and Minnie, known for her upbeat and girlish femininity, are huge factors of why these two stars have remained so relevant until today.
4. Minnie didn’t always rock her iconic red bow
Minnie was originally designed in the flapper fashion. Her first and main fashion statement was wearing the female version of a bowler hat with her signature daisy sprouting from the top.
5. Mickey’s first words were… Hot Dogs!
Mickey made his theatrical debut in Steamboat Willie, the first-ever fully synchronized sound cartoon on November 18, 1928. However, Mickey only spoke his first words the following year in 'Karnival Kid' – with his first words being “Hot dogs!”. That’s one way to leave an impact.
6. Minnie is kind of the friend we all need
While Minnie’s lifelong friend is none other than Daisy, whom she often turns to when she needs a confidante, she’s also a good friend who sympathises with the plights of others.
Minnie’s known for always being there for her friends, lending her support whenever they’re in need, like helping Clarabelle Cow get out of sticky situations and Mickey by taking care of his dog, Pluto.
7. The first Mickey Mouse merchandise was a writing tablet
While one of the most iconic Mickey and Minnie merchandise today is the ear headbands, the first-ever licensed Mickey Mouse merchandise was a writing tablet.
This all happened when a man offered Walt Disney US$300 (about RM1,250) to use Mickey on a children’s pencil tablet, which Walt agreed to because he needed the money.
Celebrate their 93rd birthday by re-watching some of your favourite Mickey and Minnie content on Disney+ Hotstar here.
Malaysians can stream their favourite shows and films now by subscribing to the service directly at DisneyPlusHotstar.my or via the Disney+ Hotstar app on Android and iOS devices, for RM54.90 for three months*.
Access Disney+ Hotstar on Astro at incredible deals. Astro Movies Pack customers (CH411–CH416) must activate via astro.com.my/Disney to immediately start streaming Disney+ Hotstar. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
