Celebrate with the World's most loved Mouse - Mickey's birthday with Disney Channel on November 18th

Media News

Mumbai, November 17, 2011

The world's most popular mouse, Mickey Mouse, celebrates his birthday on November 18 on Disney Channel with a very special line-up of varied and entertaining Mickey programming.

Although his personality has evolved and changed over the years, kids’ and families’ love for Mickey has remained as popular as ever. From being the mischievous and adventurous troublemaker when he was first created, to a lovable, cheerful hero, Mickey has always been known as a universal symbol of friendship and family values.

Walt, on his first television show as he surveyed Disneyland said, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing… that it was all started by a Mouse." This famous Mickey Mouse, made his screen debut on November 18 several decades back as the star of the first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, and has, since then, become an indelible icon. He is not only the personification of everything Disney, but also one of the most universal symbols of magical childhood memories for kids across the world.

“Mickey is the world’s most lovable mouse who epitomizes all that makes Disney special. He is cute, always does his best to help others, is loyal to his friends and has been bringing happiness and laughter to kids and families all across the country. A friend to fans of all ages, it will be hard to find a family that hasn’t shared a magical moment with Mickey through the years” says Natasha Malhotra, VP and GM, Walt Disney Television International India.

Mickey Mouse’s Birthday celebrations will also be in full swing at Infinity Malad, Mumbai & Kolkata every day between 12 to 8pm all through the week. Kids can participate in fun-filled art and craft activities, storytelling sessions, jam sessions and contests to celebrate Mickey’s birthday. There are tons of prizes to be won including a chance to participate in a lucky draw and win a family trip to Hong Kong Disney Land and meet Mickey in person! Disney Channel is also conducting an extensive outdoor campaign inviting kids to join in the birthday bash with best-in-class Disney programs starring Mickey and his lovable friends.

Propelled by the love of his fans, in addition to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Junior --- the leading show for kids aged 2-7, Mickey branded products are available for kids and families across multiple categories at all leading retail stores and mom-n-pop outlets. These include toys, apparel and footwear, jewelry, home and stationery products, activity books and comics in several Indian languages, more than 15 titles on Home Video and a dedicated online zone with tons activities, mobile games and wallpapers.

Here’s wishing every one’s favorite mouse, “A Very Happy Birthday”. Join the celebrations on November 18 on Disney Channel to rediscover a character that is truly timeless.

Some fun and interesting ‘Mousellaneous’ facts about Mickey Mouse:

- Wearing typically red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves, Disney's most famous character - Mickey Mouse made his screen debut on November 18, 1928 as the star of the first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie.

- Interestingly, "Mortimer Mouse" had been Disney's original name for the character before Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian, convinced him to change it and ultimately named as Mickey Mouse.

- The original voice of Mickey Mouse was Walt Disney. He provided the voice of Mickey Mouse until 1946. Jim Macdonald took over and was Mickey's voice for 3 decades until he retired. The current voice of Mickey Mouse is Wayne Allwine.

- Mickey's first appearance in a feature film was in 1940 in Fantasia, where he appeared in his most famous role as the Sorcerer's Apprentice. His image was modified for this feature film debut to include eye pupils and a more three-dimensional appearance.

- The 1950s were a plentiful decade as Mickey became leader of "The club for you and me", The Mickey Mouse Club.

- Mickey Mouse's favorite sayings are: "Gosh!" "Oh boy!" "That sure is swell!" "Aw, gee..." "See ya soon!"

- Mickey became the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For further information, please contact:

CMCG India

Rajatri Biswas

Email: rajatri@cmcgindia.com