In celebration of 80 years of Donald Duck we look back at the life and legacy of a duck of a different feather. With his first appearance in The Wise Little Hen—which premiered on June 9, 1934—Donald made a splash with his over-the-top antics and outbursts. He immediately appealed to something “fowl” in all of us, and Walt’s gag men and animators had great fun devising situations that took advantage of his volatile personality. It was in many ways easier for them to write stories for Donald than for Mickey and within a few years he was starring in even more cartoons than Mickey.
Finding Donald Duck in Us
Although Donald always begins any task with a cheerful, optimistic attitude, things inevitably go awry. His explosive temper and wild exclamations are a wonderfully exaggerated version of the reaction so many of us undoubtedly would have had if we faced the multitude of obstacles, mishaps, and misadventures that have plagued the duck over the years.
Donald's Quirks and Antics
Whether it be working in his garden (Donald’s Garden), disrupting Mickey’s orchestra (The Band Concert), or collecting donations for charity (The Volunteer Worker), Donald seems to have done, or at least tried, it all. Making his patriotic contribution, Donald has served in the armed forces (Donald Gets Drafted), and on the home front, encouraged Americans to pay their taxes (The Spirit of ’43 and The New Spirit), and even grew a victory garden to support the troops (Donald’s Garden). As a golfer, he has been thwarted by weather and the ever-tortuous “short game” that plagues even the best (Donald’s Golf Game). Donald has also done stints as a beekeeper (Honey Harvester), a window washer (Window Cleaners), and as a math teacher/explorer, he helped many of us understand geometry (Donald in Mathmagic Land).
Donald's Soft Spot
A dedicated uncle, Donald looks after his precocious nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. As their mentor, he employs a strategy of damage control while still managing to share the occasional valuable life lesson to put them on the right track. Even with family commitments, he finds time to have a life of his own. His sweetheart Daisy (Mr. Duck Steps Out) is always a welcome distraction and provides a wonderful foil for our over-the-top feathered friend. Their relationship has spanned years, survived rivals, and undoubtedly helps keep Donald grounded as he attempts his many careers and pastimes.
For 80 years, Donald Duck has helped us laugh at our flaws, celebrate our successes, and, most importantly, see the humor in the world around us. Whether we are facing a bee disturbing our moment of peace or two chipmunks wreaking havoc on our house and yard, or we are trying to do our best at work or play, Donald Duck has a lesson for us all: take it all in stride, even if that stride is yellow and web-footed.
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Reed Milnes Volunteer Services Manager