Mickey Mouse is now 80.
The Disney cartoon character made his first appearance in a short film on 18 November, 1928 and is now an international favourite.
Steamboat Willie saw Mickey peeling potatoes a steamboat under an evil captain because Mickey's musical offerings got on his nerves. It was the first cartoon to feature an integrated sound track.
Mickey's last major film role was in 1952, but he is the only cartoon character with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
Disney licensed Mickey's image to a maker of school supplies for $US300 in 1930 and the likeness now adorns everything from computers to video games.
"The Mouse" is the corporate symbol for Disney's family entertainment empire, which includes the ABC television network.
There are no plans for Mickey to retire. Disney says he is "a timeless asset."
