As of November 18, 2018, Minnie Mouse’s Birthday hit the 90-year mark, but she’s just as important (and young) as ever. Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created “Minerva” Mouse in the style of a “flapper girl.” She’s best known as Mickey’s girlfriend, but she’s also friends with Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow. Her November 18 “birthday” marks the day in 1928 when she made an appearance in the film “Steamboat Willie.” Whether or not you’re a die-hard Disney fan, take some time to learn a little more about one of the world’s favorite cartoon characters.
History of Minnie Mouse's Birthday
Minnie was first brought to life in 1928, a brainchild of Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney. Her first appearance was in “Steamboat Willie,” a famous early film from Walt Disney that is also the debut of her counterpart, Mickey Mouse. She’s developed as a flapper girl, a popular style at the time and a symbol of freedom and modernity, but for comedic effect her heels were too big, creating many moments of slapstick where she was falling out of or over her own feet. As Minnie and Mickey’s relationship blossomed she began playing more damsel in distress roles. Oftentimes, Mickey had to rescue her, and his rate of success helped to play into a large portion of the comedy. Additionally, as she started in the late 1920s as a flapper, a much more progressive and forward fashion and time, throughout the mid-century her appearance became more conservative as the culture did as well. In the 1940s and 50s, Minnie looked much less like the rambunctious flapper of the Roaring Twenties and more like the dutiful housewife of the mid-century.
Minnie Mouse's Birthday timeline
In the six-minute silent short, "Plane Crazy," the world got its first glimpse of Minnie Mouse.
While it has never been explicitly stated on screen or off, Walt Disney admitted privately that Minnie and Mickey were, in fact, married.
NBC's TV special called "Totally Minnie," marked her first time as the lead character in a film.
Minnie Mouse received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Minnie Mouse's Birthday FAQs
How old is Minnie Mouse?
Minnie Mouse will be turning 93 years old on November 18, 2020. Not bad for a mouse, eh?
Does Minnie Mouse have a birthday?
Yes! It’s November 18. That’s the date she first appeared on screen! She’s since been in countless features and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Are Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse married?
They have never been married on screen but Walt Disney said in an interview that they are.
What is Minnie Mouse's cats name?
Figaro, first seen as Mister Geppetto’s cat in Pinocchio, is also Minnie Mouse’s pet cat. It’s interesting, that a mouse has a pet cat.
How to Celebrate Minnie Mouse's Birthday
-
Watch some of her classic videos
Streaming services like Netflix have a number of original Disney cartoons, including "Steamboat Willie." See how far Minnie has come from her humble beginnings in the 1920s.
-
Put on your Minnie Mouse ears
Get your red bow and mouse ears ready! Whether you are heading to school or the office, show your appreciation for your favorite lady mouse by donning her signature look.
-
Head to Disney World
Although the park doesn't have any official celebrations for Miss Minnie's birthday, November is a great time to enjoy Orlando. You may even get lucky enough to spot her in the park and get a special picture together.
6 Of Minnie Mouse's Obscure Relatives
-
Marcus Mouse, her father
Marcus first appeared in the Minnie Mouse universe in 1930.
-
Mortimer Mouse, the rich uncle
He's a rancher from Death Valley; Minnie eventually inherits his estate.
-
Marhsal and Matilda Mouse, her grandparents
Though they only appeared briefly, Minnie does in fact have grandparents!
-
Millie and Melody Mouse, her twin nieces
There are some inconsistencies around Minnie's nieces: In the U.S. they've also been referred to as "Pammy and Tammy," while in Brazil and Europe she sometimes has only one niece named "Melodia.
Why We Love Minnie Mouse's Birthday
-
It celebrates a strong woman
Representation in media is always important. One of the reasons we love Minnie Mouse's birthday is because it celebrates a strong woman who is just as important to the Disney family as any other member.
-
It's historically important
Minnie Mouse - and the whole Disney family - is historically important to the development of America. There's not much more uniquely American than Minnie and Mickey Mouse and their history is indicative of the country's in that regard.
-
She's just all around great
Regardless of whether you love her sass, her confidence, or some of her hilarious slapstick routines alongside Mickey, Minnie Mouse is a great character and piece of American pop-culture history.
Minnie Mouse's Birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | November 18 | Friday |
2023 | November 18 | Saturday |
2024 | November 18 | Monday |
2025 | November 18 | Tuesday |
2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |