Donald Fauntleroy Duck

Donald Duck. Full name, Donald Fauntleroy Duck revealed in the short Donald Gets Drafted  released in 1942 and is a reference to his hat he wears with his “little lord fauntleroy” suit. Donald is a white anthropomorphic duck with blue eyes; yellow orange bill, legs, and feet; a sailor shirt and cap; a red or white bow tie; and no pants.

Donald’s birthday is officially pronounced as June 9, 1934 the day his debut film was released. But has been stated as different days through his career. In The Three Caballeros it is Friday the 13th, while in the short Donald’s Happy Birthday it is said to be March 13th.

Donald is loud, rude, and selfish and obsessed with fame, money, treasure, and gold but he is also extremely loyal to his love interest Daisy and his best friends Mickey and Goofy. Once Donald is committed, he always gives 100%.

Mickey has always considered Donald as one of his best friends and fails to see the envy Donald feels towards him. Donald has always wanted Mickey’s fame and glory. He is sometimes portrayed as a rival to Mickey in his race to be on top.The rivalry is shown in many disney films. In the television show House of Mouse, Donald changes the name of the show to House of Duck, but in the end sides with Mickey and helps him to make a successful and profitable business. In the special Mickey’s 60th Birthday, Mickey is enchanted to be invisible. Donald is arrested under speculation that he was responsible for kidnapping Mickey. In the end Donald is released due to lack of evidence.

He has a few common phrases such as “what’s the big idea” when he is frustrated or impatient, “aw phooey” when he has given up, “oh boy, oh boy, oh boy” when he is especially excited, or “hiya toots” which he uses towards his girlfriend Daisy. It has been said Donald has one of the most recognisable voices in animation of all time. He was voiced by Clarence “ducky” Nash from 1934-1985 when he retired due to his death and was replaced by Tony Anselmo in 1985 and still voices him today. Tony was personally trained by Nash for the part.

Donald’s prototype was first displayed in the comic book The Adventures of Mickey Mouse released in May of 1931.

He then became Donald Duck three years later in the comic strip The Little Wise Hen on June 9, 1934. His second appearance was in the short Orphan’s Benefit released August 11, 1934. In the short Donald is to recite poems but he gets more and more frustrated as the orphans fail to listen and continue to steal and eat his pies. This eventually causes Donald to have a fit of rage so prominent it becomes a large factor in his personality. Donald then joins the Fab Five cartoons like the hit, The Band Concert where the characters all play beautiful music which is constantly interrupted by Donald playing the wrong song.

Donald Duck is redesigned in 1936. Though he looks extremely similar to his old self, he is plumper, has larger feet and his personality is fully formed.

Donald starred in his first solo cartoon Don Donald on January 9, 1937.

This cartoon is where his love interest Daisy Duck (Donna Duck in the short) makes her debut.

When WWI started many cartoon productions slowed, but Donald’s career took off. He was a huge star. Huey, Dewey, and Louie made their first appearance in the 1938 film Donald’s Nephews and were featured in many of Donald’s shorts as well as Chip and Dale (introduced 1947) who became some of the most iconic co stars of all time. The 1943 short Der Fuehrer's Face was given an Academy Award for Best Animated Short.

In 1954 the Fab Five shorts came to an end but Donald just kept going. All Disney animation came to an abrupt stop in the 1960’s when Walt Disney died and they would not come back until 1983 when Mickey’s Christmas Carol is released.

Donald Duck is the second most requested and common character in the Disney Parks. You can see him on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse a television show on Disney Channel in the mornings or you can meet him in person at the Disney Parks.

Sources: http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Donald_Duck

http://www.comicvine.com/donald-duck/4005-22182/