When it comes to Disney, you’ve got to go back to the company’s most famous trio: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.
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But, while Mickey Mouse may often steal the spotlight from his friends, Donald Duck is making a comeback today as fans everywhere celebrate the character’s birthday. Created by Walt Disney in 1934 to star in The Wise Little Hen, Donald Duck is now turning 82 years old.
Over the decades, Donald Duck has stayed true to his cute yet temperamental personality as he’s starred in dozens of films, television series, and even video games like Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts. Donald Duck’s long history has given him everything from three mischievous nephews to a bonafide reputation as a pop culture icon. While Donald Duck has gone through many iterations over his life, his current run is being helmed by Paul Rudish (The Powerpuff Girls, Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Donald and his friends can be found on Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse which is a series of animated shorts that have earned multiple Emmys and Annie Awards. Wanting to keep the character contemporary, Paul Rudish and his team have done their best to remind fans why Donald Duck holds a special place in their hearts and have even created a brand-new short in honor of the character entitled Split Decisions.
Speaking with EW, Paul Rudish spoke about the new short and why it was suited for Donald’s birthday. He said, “This particular short puts a spotlight on all we have come to know and love about Donald, as Mickey tries to help his friend work out his anger issues”
When asked about Donald’s true age, Paul kept mum on the subject, but he did say that Donald’s was, “old enough to chase after Carmen Miranda’s sister in The Three Caballeros!” Originally produced by Walt Disney in 1945, The Three Caballeros is one of Donald Duck’s best-known films where the finicky character celebrates an unlucky birthday with some friends from South America.
Maybe if Donald is lucky, he’ll celebrate a much happier birthday this year.
Happy Birthday, Donald!
