Mickey Mouse

Disney's iconic mascot character

A cheerful and curious mouse character. The symbolic existence of The Walt Disney Company.

Quotes

  • Oh, boy!
  • Ha-ha
  • Gosh
  • Swell
  • Aw-Gee
  • Uh-Oh!

Trivia

  • Mickey's hands are drawn with four fingers because, with the animation technology of the time, five fingers could easily be mistaken for six.
  • Originally planned as Mortimer Mouse, but his wife suggested Mickey Mouse, leading to the current name.
  • Copyright for the 'Steamboat Willie' version expired at the end of 2023, but subsequent designs remain protected.
  • 'Steamboat Willie,' Mickey's representative work, is the world's first animated film with a soundtrack.
  • First fictional character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • In Japan, 'Mickey Mouse's Opera Viewing' was first released in 1929.

Alternate names

Mickey Mick 米老鼠 米奇 Topolino Ratón Miguelito Mikki Hiiri Miki Tikus

Tags

Disney Mascot Mouse Animated character 1920s Cute Cheerful Popular Cartoon

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Profile

Species
Mouse
Gender
Male
Birthday
November 18
Birth year
1928

Appearance

Overall appearance
An anthropomorphic character with features of a white-footed mouse. Large round ears and gloves are characteristic. Height is about 96.5cm, wears yellow shoes.
Height
About 96.5cm
Weight
About 10.4kg
Eye color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Large round ears
  • Four-fingered hands
  • White gloves
  • Large yellow shoes
Iconic items
  • Red shorts
  • Yellow shoes
  • White gloves
  • Bow tie
  • Straw hat (occasionally)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cheerful
Detailed personality
Strong sense of justice and polite gentleman. Curious and energetic, but also has a shy side. Mischievous and prank-loving. A bit loose with money.
Keywords
  • Cheerful
  • Curious
  • Gentleman
  • Mischievous
  • Shy
  • Sense of justice
  • Reliable
  • Mentally fragile
Talents
  • Singing
  • Dancing
  • Sports and athletic ability
  • Playing instruments (piano, guitar, drums)
  • Piloting (pilot skills)
Skills
  • Night jazz club management
  • Car driving
  • Ship captain
  • Fire chief
Motivation
Protecting a fun and peaceful world, making people happy
Habits
Catchphrases include “Oh, boy!”, “Ha-ha”, “Gosh”, “Swell”, “Aw-Gee”, “Uh-Oh!”. Says “See ya real soon!” when parting.
Favorite foods
Cheese, Lemon pie (made by Minnie)
Favorite colors
Red, Yellow
Hobbies
Sports, Reading, Playing music
Disliked weather
Bad weather
Disliked situations
Trouble (though sometimes caused by curiosity)
Disliked foods
Disliked green foods (due to taste preference)

History

Backstory
In 1927, after the rights dispute over Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created a new character. Initially named Mortimer, but renamed Mickey Mouse on the suggestion of his wife Lillian. Debuted with sound in 1928's 'Steamboat Willie' and gained worldwide popularity.
Debut date
November 18, 1928
Work title
Steamboat Willie
Media type
Movie

Birth of Mickey Mouse

Significant event
Birth of Mickey Mouse
Description
Planned by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, debuted in 1928.

Release of 'Steamboat Willie'

Significant event
Release of 'Steamboat Willie'
Description
Released on November 18, 1928. Succeeded as a sound-equipped animated film and became hugely popular.

Character design change

Significant event
Character design change
Description
From 1939 onward, white sclera and eyebrows were added, resulting in a more expressive design.

Extension of copyright protection period

Significant event
Extension of copyright protection period
Description
Copyright and trademark protections have been strengthened. The initial version's copyright expired at the end of 2023, but modern designs remain protected.

Relationships

Felicity

Sibling

Older sister

Morty

Child

Nephew. Felicity's child.

Ferdy

Child

Nephew. Felicity's child.

Minnie Mouse

Girlfriend

Long-time childhood friend and girlfriend.

Pluto

Pet

Loyal pet dog and best friend.

Mickey & Friends

Mickey & Friends: leader

Media appearances

Steamboat Willie

Movie / Protagonist

1928

Mickey's Grand Opera

Movie / Protagonist

1935

Fantasia

Movie / Protagonist

1940

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Movie / Supporting

1988

Mickey's Minnie Rescue Operation

Movie / Protagonist

2013

Mickey Mouse!

Movie / Protagonist

2013-

Mickey & Friends

Series / Protagonist

Voice cast and creators

納谷六朗

Voice actor
納谷六朗
Language
Japanese
Version or series
BVHE version (1989-1991)
Notes
First Japanese voice actor

青柳隆志

Voice actor
青柳隆志
Language
Japanese
Version or series
BVHE version (1991-2018)

星野貴紀

Voice actor
星野貴紀
Language
Japanese
Version or series
BVHE version (2018-present)

Walt Disney

Voice actor
Walt Disney
Language
English
Version or series
Original (1928-1947, 2013)
Notes
Original English voice actor

Jim Macdonald

Voice actor
Jim Macdonald
Language
English
Version or series
Second generation (1947-1977)

Wayne Allwine

Voice actor
Wayne Allwine
Language
English
Version or series
Third generation (1977-2009)

Bret Iwan

Voice actor
Bret Iwan
Language
English
Version or series
Fourth generation (2009-present)

Chris Diamantopoulos

Voice actor
Chris Diamantopoulos
Language
English
Version or series
TV anime 'Mickey Mouse!' (2013-present)

Walt Disney

Creator name
Walt Disney
Role
Original author

Ub Iwerks

Creator name
Ub Iwerks
Role
Original author

Ward Kimball

Creator name
Ward Kimball
Role
Character designer

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Creator name
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Role
Animation studio

The Walt Disney Company

Creator name
The Walt Disney Company
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Mickey Mouse plush

Item name
Mickey Mouse plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Mickey Mouse figure

Item name
Mickey Mouse figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Mickey stationery set

Item name
Mickey stationery set
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular

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