Even after all these years, Walt Disney's wonderful world of colour never seems to get old. This is partly due to all the fond memories we have of it, but mostly because of the characters Disney created and somehow managed to immortalize.
From Mickey and Minnie to Goofy, Disney characters have always been a huge part of our lives; but how much do we really know about them?
Well, it's everyone's favorite hot-head, Donald Duck's 78th birthday today. With that in mind, here are 10 things you never knew about this adorably cantankerous web-footed toon:
Fact One: Let's start with his name. Believe it or not, you don't know good ol' Donald's real name; well, not his full name anyway. It's Donald 'Fauntelroy' Duck!
Fact Two: He first appeared on the silver screen in 1934 in Walt Disney's animated film, "The Wise Little Hen." Since then, he went on to star in seven feature films--which is more than any of his Disney counterparts, including Mickey Mouse! He even won an Academy Award for 'Der Feuhrer's Face,' which came out--you guessed it--during World War II.
Fact Three: It goes without saying that Donald has one of the most distinct voices; but most people don't know that he was voiced originally by Clarence Nash. He did his work dutifully from 1934 to 1983. His last performance as the Donald was in 'Mickey's Christmas Carol' and later, he trained Tony Anselmo--who's been Donald's voice ever since. Sadly 'Ducky' Nash (as he was fondly called) died of leukemia in 1985, after devoting his entire career to the duck.
Fact Four: Donald's better half, the sassy and beautiful Daisy Duck had different name, before she became famous! She was Donna when she first appeared in 'Don Donald,' a 1937 short film.
Fact Five: Donald Duck and his buddies come from a little place called Duckburg--his (almost) namesake hometown.
Fact Six: In 1936 Donald was given a serious makeover only two years after his birth. Walt Disney decided that he wasn't adorable enough, and he went out of his way to make him more appealing to audiences. The key changes? He made him rounder! All we can say is that it worked, because he sure is lovable!
Fact Seven: Bet you never noticed, but Donald's license plate number reads 313. This is meant to indicate that he's a very unlucky ducky indeed!
Fact Eight: His greatest enemies (which as most fans may know) are two chipmunks! They made their debut in a cartoon entitled 'Private Pluto' and their names were 'Chip' and 'Dale.'
Fact Nine: Though we're celebrating it today, Donald actually has three birthdays. They are as follows:
-June 9 for his film debut.
- Friday the 13th since he's so unlucky!
- And, March 13, which is celebrated as his birthday in a cartoon film.
Fact Ten: Walt Disney had satire on his mind while creating his unique Disney characters. Donald Duck, for instance, is supposed to represent what we are, while Mickey is supposed to represent what we should be!
Source: Mens XP
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