National Donald Duck Day
National Donald Duck Day is celebrated every year on June 9 which marks the anniversary of Donald Duck’s first appearance in The Wise Little Hen (1934).
From his signature sailor suit to his legendary temper, Donald has become one of Disney’s most beloved characters.
National Donald Duck Day dates back to 1984 when Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley officially proclaimed it in honor of Donald Duck’s 50th birthday.
To mark the occasion, the city received a silver statue of the beloved duck, and Donald himself embarked on a nationwide tour.
The Origin of Donald Duck
Clarence Nash gave an audition for Walt Disney Studios when he heard they were looking for someone to dub animal sounds.
He impressed Disney so much with his impression that he was eventually chosen to voice a new character.
Disney also gave Donald Duck his famous personality, a short temper and a sailor suit, since both ducks and sailors are linked to water.
While Dick Huemer and Art Babbit were the first to animate Donald, Dick Lundy helped shape his character.
On April 29, 1934, just days before The Wise Little Hen was released, bandleader Raymond Paige performed the cartoon’s music on Los Angeles radio station KHJ.
A singing group called the Three Rhythm Kings provided the vocals, while Clarence Nash and Florence Gill voiced the characters.
Nash played both Donald Duck and Peter Pig, making this the first time audiences heard Donald’s voice.
There’s also a rumor that Disney got the idea for Donald after watching a cricket match where Australian player Don Bradman was out for a “duck.” However, historians doubt this story.
Celebrate National Donald Duck Day
What could be a better way of celebrating National Donald Duck Day than by re-watching him on the screen?
If you want to go the extra mile, then put on a blue sailor shirt, a red bowtie and maybe even a sailor hat, or you can wear a simple Donald Duck T-shirt.
Celebrate by watching Donald Duck’s best moments in classic Disney cartoons and movies. From his funny temper tantrums to his adorable friendship with Mickey and Goofy, there’s plenty of nostalgia to enjoy.
Post your favorite Donald Duck moments, memes, or even your own Donald-inspired drawings on social media. Use #NationalDonaldDuckDay to join in the fun!
Fun Facts About Donald Duck
- Donald’s full name is Donald Fauntleroy Duck.
- He has a girlfriend, Daisy Duck, and three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
- He is the only Disney character to have won an Oscar, for the wartime short Der Fuehrer’s Face (1943).
- Donald has been featured in more films than any other Disney character.
