DONALD DUCK. Although that loveable, short-tempered duck wearing a sailor suit made his initial debut by book in the 1931, Adventures of Mickey Mouse, he became one of Walt Disney’s more famous cartoon characters after his first film debut in “The Wise Little Hen,” on the big screen in 1934.

Despite the 1949 short film, “Donald’s Happy Birthday,” which lauded March 13 as Donald Duck’s birthday, Disney later decided a more applicable date for his beloved character’s birthday was the date of his film debut — Which is how June 9 became known as Donald Duck Day. Donald Duck will be celebrating his 88th birthday this year.

Walt Disney created Donald Duck after hearing Clarence Nash recite the popular nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” in his duck voice. Nash became the official voice of Donald Duck until 1984. Tony Anselmo is responsible for giving Donald a voice after Nash’s retirement. Indulge in Donald in recognition of his birthday today by selecting one of the approximately 225 movies which he has starred in to watch this evening.

Did you know that in 1978 Donald Duck was banned from the country of Finland — for failing to wear pants. Another interesting Donald Duck fact comes from the University of Oregon who were so inspired by Donald, that in 1947 their mascots were dubbed the Fighting Ducks. Another lesser known Donald Duck fact is that Daisy Duck was not his first love, in fact in his breakout role during the animated short film “Don Donald,” Donald attempts to win over his first love interest, Donna Duck.