A Mouse and a Bunny: Two of the Most Recognizable Faces of the 20th Century

Can you imagine a lovable cartoon character named Oswald or Mortimer? Well, you probably know him better as Mickey Mouse. Disney’s trademark rodent didn’t start out exactly as you know him today, and he actually has a unique evolutionary history.

In 1927, when Walt Disney worked for Universal Pictures, he created the character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who had a round white face and floppy black ears and was a hit with audiences.

However, when Disney left Universal, he couldn’t take Oswald with him because Universal retained the rights. So Disney and an animator named Ub Iwerks replaced Oswald by shortening his ears and rounding out the middle to make a mouse named Mortimer. However, rumor has it that Disney’s wife disliked the name and suggested the cuter-sounding “Mickey.”

Did you know that Bugs Bunny’s famous phrase of “What’s up, doc?” is almost 70 years old? He first uttered the words in 1940’s “A Wild Hare.” Since then Bugs has faced down Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd (who can’t seem to ever best the “wascally wabbit”).

Declared the greatest cartoon character of all time by TV Guide in 2002, Bugs is fondly known for his versatility (having entertained various professions ranging from an opera singer to a lumberjack), his famous friends, such as Michael Jordan, and his ironically adorable Brooklyn/Bronx accent.

Sorry Daffy, but you can never be the star. Bugs Bunny just shines too bright.