Before Ben 10, Chhotta Bheem and Mighty Raju took over our televisions, Sunday mornings were pretty simple. Kids would wake up later than usual, but just in time to catch their favourite cartoons while they were still in their night jammies, brushing their teeth and getting their plate of breakfast only to plonk in front of the TV. And one of the most familiar faces on screen is celebrating his 82nd birthday on June 9 — Donald Duck!
A character’s first appearance in a cartoon is traditionally marked as its birthday. And on June 9, 1934, Donald Fauntleroy Duck (yes, that’s his full name) made his debut in “The Wise Little Hen”. He has gone to star in over 150 sketches, including shorts, films and TV shows. Why don’t we give the new age cartoons a rest for a while and kick back with some hilarious Donald Duck movies and shorts?
Silly yet sweetDonald Duck is mostly portrayed as an easy-going and chilled-out duck until something or someone comes along to ruin things for him. Then he flies into a rage, which is quite comical because of his voice that sounds like when someone is speaking underwater when they have a nasty cold. Doesn’t it? It has prompted even Mickey Mouse to say, “Donald, I can’t understand a word ya say.” And Donald’s most often reply would be, “Aw phooey!”
Unlike Mickey, Donald’s friend (and occasional rival), he isn’t a nice guy all the time. His anger in itself has a reputation and it drives him to behave like a child throwing tantrums. Donald also loves playing pranks on people, especially his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, and the usual mischief making chipmunks Chip and Dale. Daisy Duck, his girlfriend, remains loyal and devoted to Donald, despite his short temper.
Many adjectives can be used to describe Donald — lovable, mischievous, troublemaker, even a war hero. But Walt Disney, Donald’s creator, has perhaps aptly described with this quote — “One of the greatest satisfactions in our work is the warm relationship that exists within our cartoon family. Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, and the whole gang have always been a lot of fun to work with. But like many large families, we have a problem child. You’re right, it’s Donald Duck.”
Donald’s voice, one of the most recognisable voices, was performed by Clarence Nash from 1934 to 1984. Most would say that it was Nash’s voice as Donald’s that cemented this adorable duck’s status as one of the most iconic characters in the history of entertainment.
Some of Donald’s most famous works include “The Wise Little Hen”, “Orphan’s Benefit”, “Der Fuehrer’s Face”, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”, “Saludos Amigos”, “Fun and Fancy Tree”, “The Three Caballeros”, “Quack Pack”, “DuckTales”, “House of Mouse” and many more Disney episodes.
Quick Quack facts
Donald Duck is one of the many Disney stars to be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In his authorised biography, Donald’s birthday is given as Friday the 13th, and in a later cartoon, it was revealed to be March 13. There are some dedicated fans of Donald that insist on observing March 13 as his birthday.
The film “Der Fuehrer’s Face”, one of the cartoon shorts based on World War II, won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 1943, turning Donald into some sort of a war hero.
Donald Duck is related to the McDucks (from ‘DuckTales’) through marriage. Donald’s mother Hortense is a McDuck, who married into the Duck family when she hooked up with his father Quackmore.
