2017-06-09 Fri

“Donald Duck never wears pants. But when he gets out of the shower he ties a towel around his waist. I mean, what is up with that?” –Chandler Muriel Bing.

One of our favorite cartoon turns 83 years old today! Yes, it is Donald Duck! He is not only Mickey Mouse’s but even our best friend! He first appeared today, June 9th in 1934 in the cartoon “The Wise Little Hen” and hence we celebrate June 9th as his birthday.

One of the most popular Disney characters, he was included in TV Guide’s list of the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time in 2002. He has appeared in more films than any other Disney characters and is the most published comic book character in the world outside of the superhero genre.

It is his second appearance in Orphan’s Benefit that introduced him as a temperamental comic foil to Mickey Mouse. Having appeared in over 150 theatrical films, most of them were recognized at the Academy Awards. In the 1930s, he typically appeared as part of a comic trio with Mickey and Goofy and was given his own film series in 1937 starting with Don Donald. These films introduced Donald's love interest Daisy Duck and often included his three nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. His recent venture was the television series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006–2016).

Al Taliaferro, Carl Barks, and Don Rosa are the designers of Donald Duck. Barks, in particular, has played a very important part in expanding the Donald Duck Universe by creating many additional characters like Donald’s rich uncle Scrooge McDuck, etc. His fandom is often referred to as ‘Donaldism’.

Post of Antigua and Barbuda issued this souvenir commemorative sheet to celebrate Donald’s 50th birthday. Having a face value of 5 East Caribbean Dollars this was issued on 26th November 1984.

Bonus: his middle name is Fauntleroy in reference to his sailor hat which was a common accessory for “Little Lord Fauntleroy” suits.