Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse in 1928 while he was on a train ride with his wife, after the loss of his star character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Ub Iwerks.  Originally, Walt wanted to name the little mouse "Mortimer," but his wife, Lillian, came up with the name of "Mickey."  Mickey Mouse soon made his debut in a cartoon short entitled "Plane Crazy" along with his girlfriend Minnie Mouse.  However, while the more widely known film, "Steamboat Willie," was thought to be his debut, it was actually his second appearance on the screen on November 18th, 1928. 

He was first seen in color in 1935 in "The Band Concert."  Mickey's most notable friends are Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Horace Horsecollar.  He is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters ever created, and one of the few that is still being produced to this day. 

Trivia :  Walt Disney was the original voice of Mickey Mouse.  Mickey has only starred in 2 feature length films: Fantasia, and Mickey and the beanstalk.  He's also had several different TV specials including: Mickey's Christmas Carol, and The Prince and the Pauper. 

Mickey was the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  It was presented to him on November 18,  1978 in honor of his fiftieth anniversary. Mickey had his own magazine in the 1930's called "Mickey Mouse Magazine."

The character has starred in over 120 cartoons.

["Know Your Character" series provided by:
store51 - Sports & Kids Room Superstore]