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A Celebration of Donald Duck, In GIFS!
Iconic, mostly unintelligible, and famously short-tempered… He just might be America’s most favorite duck.
On June 9th, Donald Duck turns 84, and we’re celebrating by reminiscing through the life of one of Disney’s most lovable characters, and one of Mickey’s best pals.
But he’s so much more than just a friend of Mickey. He’s been a star for nearly a century, entertaining countless millions of young (and young-at-heart) fans spanning several generations. And he’s aged well: His resume includes appearances in nearly 40 short films, nearly 20 feature films, more than 10 TV series, almost 40 video games, and countless comics. And, astonishingly, he’s never missed a shift at Disney’s Magic Kingdom® Theme Park.
So, let’s mark Donald Duck Day in a way he’d surely approve of: with GIFs! Here’s a look back at the evolution of the lovable, relatable, Donald F. Duck.
Donald Duck Makes his Debut
In his first appearance in Walt Disney’s The Wise Little Hen on June 9, 1934 Donald Duck was a lazy duck who (along with his friend Peter Pig) goes to great lengths to avoid helping out on the farm.
While he’s still known to be lazy (his favorite place to be is in a hammock—who can blame him?), he’s also fiercely competitive, has a positive outlook on life, and always gives 100 percent when he eventually does decide to commit to something—especially if it’s pranking someone or defending his pals!
Donald’s relatability was part of what helped make him such a cherished character for so many fans: He’s imperfect, unlucky, and has some negative traits, but he’s caring and lovable at the same time.
Donald Starts to “Take Flight”
While his flying ability is open to debate, later in 1934 Donald Duck made a prominent appearance in a Mickey Mouse film, Orphan’s Benefit, where many of his personality traits were introduced.
Initially created as a more negative character to contrast with a near-perfect Mickey, he quickly became well-known as an affable (if flawed) gentleman. He’s friendly and easygoing, but short-tempered and prone to fits of rage.
And while he was known to be a bit of a show-off (especially when Daisy Duck was around), Donald Duck has endless determination. These traits would all become permanently associated with Donald by the late 1930s, along with his signature stomping tantrum.
The Introduction of Donald Duck’s Family
Following his early appearances, Donald became part of the famous Disney trio of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. While he almost always appeared as good friend of Mickey, some jealousy led to the occasional rivalry, as Donald had his eyes on being Disney’s star.
By the late 1930s, Donald Duck got his own film series in 1937, beginning with Don Donald. It was in this series that he was joined by his girlfriend, Daisy Duck, and his three naughty nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. His most memorable phrases were also in place by this time, especially “Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!” and “Aw, phooey!”
After the wartime era, Donald’s success led to even more family members being created. Donald's uncles, Ludwig von Drake and Scrooge McDuck, were animated in the 1960s. At this point he was a full-blown star with over appearances in over 150 films, many of which were recognized at the Academy Awards.
Five Fun Facts About Donald Duck
Did you know?
- He’s the only cartoon character to be a major American university’s mascot (The University of Oregon Ducks use his image in their Fighting Ducks logo). He has also appeared as a mascot emblem for several U.S. Air Force Squadrons.
- Donald F. Duck is the only major Disney character with an official middle name. Any guesses? (It’s “Fauntleroy,” which was first revealed in 1942).
- He won an Oscar for a wartime film in 1943—and helped co-host the Oscars in 1958!
- In 2004, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Aside from his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, Donald has a twin sister, Della, who is an astronaut. She left her boys with him when she went to space.
Looking to celebrate with Donald and the full Walt Disney World crew? There’s no better place than Disney’s Magic Kingdom® Theme Park. And if you're visiting Kissimmee, make sure to stop by one of the Disney Stores to mark Donald’s big day. For more information, check out the Disney Park Blog.
Do you have a favorite Donald Duck movie, show, or book? Or a favorite interaction with him at Disney’s Magic Kingdom® Theme Park? We’d love to hear it! Tag us @ExperienceKissimmee on Instagram, @Kissimmee on Twitter, or visit the Experience Kissimmee Facebook Page where you can share your Donald Duck story with us. We look forward to hearing from you!