Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is an animated anthropomorphic mouse created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928. Mickey is, by far, the Walt Disney Company's most famous character and serves as the company's mascot. Estimated as standing 2' 3" (69 centimeters) and weighing 23 pounds (10 kilograms), Mickey is easily identified by his round ears, red shorts, white gloves and cartoonishly large yellow shoes.

For nearly 90 years, Mickey has signified the Walt Disney Company, animation, entertainment, and most of all, Walt Disney himself. It was said by Lillian Disney—who gave Mickey his name—that over the years, Mickey and Walt grew together and were mirrors of each other's personality. His significance in pop culture came simultaneously with his public debut in Steamboat Willie, where he first wowed audiences with his cheerful smile, youthful enthusiasm, and playful mischief. From there, Mickey rapidly rose to the pinnacle of American culture, becoming the most popular and recognizable cartoon character in the world and the prime influence of following cartoons.

President Jimmy Carter once said: "Mickey Mouse is the symbol of goodwill, surpassing all languages and cultures. When one sees Mickey Mouse, they see happiness." To art historian and journalist Garry Apgar, Mickey is "the cornerstone of a uniquely American art, one that has combined (and even created) innovations in film, music, and painting.

Mickey's 3-circle silhouette serves as the logo for most of Disney's subsidiaries, save for the ones that don't carry the 'Disney' or 'Walt Disney' label.