Celebrations are taking place around the world on Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of legend Mickey Mouse.
The cartoon mouse was created by the young Walt Disney during a train journey and first appeared in a screening of Steamboat Willie in New York City in 1928.
Mickey has appeared in more than 140 films, comic books as well as featuring on a vast range of products from watches and toys to pyjamas.
His success has led to the creation of a multi-billion dollar entertainment empire including resorts and theme parks, films, TV shows, DVDs and merchandising.
Send us your memories of Mickey Mouse? Does he still have a place in today's multi-media world?
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:
He is nothing more than the main symbol for the corporate fairy tale- stealing Disney empire. His cartoons are atrocious, but the marketing is so good people think he's funny. There's a sucker born every minute...
John, UK
Mickey's relevance has evolved from that of an entertaining cartoon character whom once just represented the company from which he came, to the universal emblem of entertainment he symbolizes today. In our ever serious world of menacing situations, and our overall perceived helplessness to succumb to them, Mickey is more relevant now than ever. That big dumb smile reminds us to numb our minds from the strife and shock of the real world once in a while.
Doug, USA
Mickey Mouse's only value is to keep the owners of the aging theme parks afloat.
Arapd Polan, Canada
If a "real" actor had gone as long as Mickey Mouse without making a feature-film, their names would only be mentioned in Trivial Pursuit. This is proof of the power of Marketing and nothing else, so I guess that Mickey Mouse IS still relevant... but only if you have a cheap and nasty piece of over-priced plastic junk or some other hideously-expensive item that you need to market to kids.
Ian, Brit in USA
 |  If Mickey Mouse can still bring joy to people's lives then that's got to be worth something  |
As children, the majority of us had our favourite characters, be it Spiderman, Desperate Dan, Mickey Mouse or any other. My own personal favourite is Winnie the Pooh, I have no feeling whatsoever for Mickey Mouse. However, just like Winnie the Pooh for me, Mickey Mouse is a reminder of childhood - a time to which many people can look back with fond memories - these cartoons are a part of those memories. If Mickey Mouse can still bring joy to people's lives then that's got to be worth something.
Linda, UK Sure, Mickey's still relevant. And Fantasia still rocks!!
Sonrisa, Cincinnati, USA
The acerbic hilarity of Bugs Bunny and the Simpsons run laps around the shrill Mickey Mouse.
Hasan, Canada
Mickey's cool, but Disney is not. Where once Disney was a pioneer, it hasn't made a break-through in years. I think Mickey should opt for a new contract elsewhere ... how about Pixar?
Christine, USA
Before coming to USA 6 years ago, I worked at the Disney Store in Manchester. It was one of the happiest places I have ever worked. To see people come into the store on a cold, wet, miserable day and leave with a smile on their face was great. Have you seen the look on a child's face when they meet Mickey or any of the characters - it's magical. Yes, Mickey is still relevant in today's world. Perhaps even more than ever.
June Simpson, a Brit in USA
I think Mickey still brings a lot of happiness into the lives of people. Children love him and he is still seen as a symbol of happiness. He is as bright and lively as are his other Disney comrades, as he was 75 years ago (just now we get to see him in colour!) Walt Disney embarked on a truly magical adventure when he first set pen to paper and bought us Mickey Mouse - the world would be a different place without him.
Viki, Essex, England
| The theme behind Mickey is very simple, the innocence of childhood |
The theme behind Mickey is very simple, the innocence of childhood. Mickey's character represents for us someone who loves others regardless of their race or background, and wants to have fun regardless of the troubles in the world. In today's fast paced society we can all use a little more childhood to revel in the beauty of life.
Jeremiah, USA It doesn't matter if Mickey Mouse is relevant or not, one thing is for sure is ageless, bringing joy to every new generation that comes along. He should be enjoyed for what he is, a cartoon. And although he will never change the world (although you never know!) he is still loved by millions, and stands for fun and innocence in a world that doesn't seem to have much of such things.
Michelle, UK
I think we should offer him every courtesy whilst he is visiting with the Queen.
Simon, UK
Mickey is older than almost everybody reading this comment, and yet he's STILL not in the public domain. It's disgraceful how copyright law has been cynically manipulated by the media companies to preserve their profits into perpetuity. It's wrong, especially coming from a company that has profited so hugely from repackaging old fairy tales that were already in the public domain.
Marc Brett, UK
Mickey Mouse is still relevant. I am 25 and still enjoy his cartoon movies and so are my cousins. It's always full of pure, chaste and modest humour. I don't like most of the present day's animations which are full of guns, bombs and explosions, wicked minded villains, seductive girls, murders and killings. I hold this sort of animation responsible for perverting children's minds which leads to incidents like shooting in schools, rapes amongst teenagers and bully culture.
Sachin Vats, India
| Here's to the next 75 years! |
Although he hasn't appeared in as many films & cartoons recently, I think Mickey Mouse is very much still relevant today. Anyone who has gone to Disneyworld (or other Disney theme parks) can testify to the magical quality that a place like that has. None of that would have been possible if it wasn't for the wonderful Mr M Mouse. So I'm glad to hear that Mickey is reportedly getting the "computer animated" treatment next year - which means bringing him up to date for the 21st Century. Here's to the next 75 years!
Stephanie, N Ireland Earlier this year I was at a trade show in Orlando. The organisers booked the Magic Kingdom for a private Gala Party one night. I was fortunate enough to meet Mickey's wife Minnie - we enjoyed a short dance together, and indulged in a brief embrace thereafter. Unfortunately Mickey witnessed these scenes, and as a result he and I have not exchanged a word since. Hopefully, with the further passage of time, our friendship can be repaired.
John, England
Well... I'm exhausted today after celebrating Mickey's birthday last night. I held special party for the kids, David, John and Gavin, in celebration of Mickey's birthday. They just love Mickey - the big ears, the big smile and the cheeky grin! Mickey is a legend and my boys idolise him - its just the Mickey magic!! New Mickey pyjamas are already on Santa's list for the boys!!
Ann, Rep of Ireland
I have never understood the attraction of Mickey. As a cartoon character he pales into insignificance beside the sheer genius of Tom and Jerry or Scooby Doo.
Julian, England
| I went to Disney Land recently and the highlight of my trip was a snap clicked with Mickey |
Even at this age ,I love Mickey Mouse. I have always loved him and a simple comic strip with his face is enough to bring smiles into a dull gloomy day. I went to Disney Land recently and the highlight of my trip was a snap clicked with Mickey
Leena, London, UK Just wondering - if Mickey is so great, why do we Brits have the phrase "It's a bit Mickey Mouse, isn't it?" to describe anything that seems rushed, bodged, cobbled or generally naff?
Matt, UK
Not only is he relevant, the whole Disney empire is. The happiness it has brought into peoples lives for generations is immeasurable - Long Live Mickey and long live Walt Disney, what a wonderful legacy he left the world.
Jan, Scotland
In a world of lots of bad things, if someone like Mickey Mouse can lift your sprits and make you smile wherever you live in the world, even just for a second, then he is doing a good job. Happy 75th birthday Mickey!
Carl Jackson, UK
To many people like myself who grew up watching Mickey Mouse feature films on TV or on videotapes, this lovable rodent will always be a part of our personal histories. However, in the present, Mickey Mouse has lost touch with the millions of children who are endeared instead to other characters like Shrek, Nemo, etc. As a marketing tool, Mickey Mouse is still a relevant symbol for Disney's pioneer status in animation. However, as we reach a new era in digitised animation, Mickey Mouse appears to be old and quite frankly, wanting of a personality. Disney needs to update Mickey's image to keep him relevant to today's youth.
Janet Paulin, Philippines/Australia I will never forget my daughter's face the first time she saw Mickey Mouse at the age of 3. She simply adored him even though she saw so little of him prior to our Disneyland visit. Mickey will forever have a place in today's multi-media world and especially in the hearts of all children and future generations.
Monica and Noni, USA
Mickey Mouse is the common hometown of people all over the world, no matter how old or young. We remember him as our childhood partner. It reminds us of beautiful memories and people. How can I forget him in my life?
Hillary R, South Korea
| Mickey had brought joy into many lives and hearts |
I work in a nursing care centre for the aged. I brought a birthday cake for the lunchtime meal that said, "Happy 75th, Mickey!" No one asked who Mickey was. Instead, everyone present - staff, family and residents of all ages - were thrilled. Once again, as always, Mickey had brought joy into many lives and hearts. He always will.
Lorraine, USA Simple, clean, harmless fun.
Nigel Pond, Brit living in the USA
Those early Mickey shorts are as relevant as any other 20th Century works of art. The sheer professionalism and artistry on display in the Disney product of the 1930s through 1950 was and remains unmatched by anything else in animation.
Mike, England
Happy Birthday Mickey. May you keep entertaining the children for many years to come.
Gil Bolton, UK
| Mickey etc., pure fun and total escapism. Isn't there too little in this sad world of ours? |
I have just returned from a family holiday to Disneyworld. My granddaughter had the time of her life, just as her mother did when she was a little girl. As grandparents, my husband and I enjoyed it too. Mickey etc., pure fun and total escapism. Isn't there too little in this sad world of ours?
Glyn, England Of course he is. If you have a two pence piece and two one pence pieces, you can create an instantly recognisable representation of him. How many other cartoon characters can you create with in such simplicity?
Peter, UK
Mickey Mouse is synonymous with cartoons. I have many happy memories of watching Mickey and other Disney characters on hired (9.8mm!) film at home on a Saturday evening before we had TV. Those memories are still vivid even after forty-five years. Dated, maybe, but never out of date.
John M, LyneMeads, UK
He will always be relevant
James, Canada
Mickey Mouse is less of a cartoon "character", more of a marketing logo. How many people can name more than two or three cartoons in which he's starred? I can't think of a single one in decades.
Andrew Smith, US - Ex UK
Of course Mickey Mouse is still relevant, are you people crazy?!
Nicole, United States of America
Mickey will always have a special place in the history of Disney Films. Today in celebration of his 75th birthday, I made sure I wore socks with a picture of Mickey on them.
Arthur Deegan, England
| I'm sorry to break this to you all, but Mickey Mouse not real |
I'm sorry to break this to you all, but Mickey Mouse not real. He is a cartoon character. He is not a role model, not a prophet, not a life changing spiritual leader. He is a drawing! How can anyone talk about his "relevance" for heavens sake? Whatever next?
Mark H, UK I loved Mickey, my sons loved him and my grandchildren love him. Of course he is relevant..
Harolde, Israel
As Disney said "It all started with a mouse". If anyone is old enough to remember Walt Disney they remember what a wonderful man he was. Mickey is Walt Disney. Just the mention of his name puts a smile on your face. My husband and I go to Disneyworld twice a year because we can't get enough. We have met many wonderful UK people (as well as from other countries)there who have a Disney timeshare like us. That says it all that people come from all over the world to visit a mouse.
Cindy, USA
Frankly saying, Mickey Mouse is one of the most relevant cartoon ever existed in this planet.
Chernor Jalloh, Spain
How can you say "is he still relevant"? I grew up watching him and I hope that my children will also be able to share in the years of joy myself and my colleagues have been able to experience.
Fergus Dalton, England
Of all the cartoon creations Mickey Mouse is the most unappealing. Give me Bugs Bunny any time!
John Carnie, UK
| What he needs is a new big production feature film |
Yeh Mickey is still relevant, the problem seems to be that Disney doesn't know what to do with him anymore, besides sticking his face on a lunch box. What he needs is a new big production feature film to relaunch his career!
Gary, England Whenever a Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tom and Jerry etc cartoon comes on the TV you can guarantee the channel-hopping will stop. With "modern" cartoons, particularly the computer generated ones, there is a scramble for the remote to change channel as fast as possible.
Martin, England
Mickey Mouse is still apparently relevant. But, not as much, or as it used to be in my opinion. At 75, Mickey is certainly a senior citizen; if a human being, due for retirement. The cartoon mouse is a product of a cohesive, traditional, conservative, post-industrial age. But, in this current, digital, diverse, multi-channel television age, Mickey is facing stiff competition from other pre-adolescent and teen idols, such as Barney. Furthermore, the explosion in the popularity of real human idols, exemplified by highly commercialised teen musicians adored by teenagers and kids as they see them on television, further erodes the Mickey legend. Mickey may last for the next hundred years or more. But, its age of teen monopolism is gone for good.
Igonikon Jack, USA
Anyone can love and be loved by Mickey. He transcends all human boundaries. As we grow more jaded and cynical, the light of Mickey's magic and innocence burn brighter.
Clyde, USA
Me and my mates love Mickey - still delivers a laugh even if he is a bit worn out after all these years...
Baci, N. Ireland I'm 50 and Mickey Mouse was becoming old-hat when I was kid.
Tim, UK
He's been here a long time and he looks nice but, let's be honest, he was never funny at all. He didn't have a mischievous bone in his body, he was too nice for me to enjoy as a kid. At least Bugs Bunny, Road Runner and Daffy Duck enjoyed playing with explosives etc.
Paul N, UK
Loved Disney cartoons as a kid. But my memories of Mickey Mouse were always the one that did nothing! All the comedy happened to Mickey's support cast. I loved Disney, but Mickey has to be the most boring cartoon character to ever come out of Disney.
Bill Tsoukalas, age 23, Australia, Sydney
I certainly hope that it's relevant. If we now live in an age where good wholesome comedy is not relevant then it is a tremendous shame.
Tom, UK
Was Mickey ever relevant? I know my 6 year old loves Mickey best of all Disney characters. So he must be doing something right!
Caroline Hally, France
| He was the pioneer of film animation |
Mickey is the great ambassador. He led the way and to respond to Bob the philistine, without Mickey there would not have been the Simpsons. He was the pioneer of film animation. He entertained my parents, he entertained me and now he entertains my children. One of their highlights of visiting Disneyland was to be photographed with Mickey. So much laughter and joy in down to the success of that one mouse. Long may he reign.
Jason, UK Mickey who? Give me the Simpsons any day.
Bob, UK
He's the same age as my Mum - and she's still relevant.
Ian, England
Not only is he a legend but there is also a quaint innocence to his cartoons that is sadly lacking in the rubbish that has been churned out in recent years. My 9 year old had more fun last week watching all the golden oldies (Tom and Jerry, Road Runner, Bugs Bunny etc) than he gets from the more current forms of 'cartoons'.
Kiltie, UK
My family went to Disney World in Florida in 1997. There were 13 of us with 4 kids under 10. Their faces when they saw Mickey stood there in the flesh was a real picture and made the whole holiday. Kids today LOVE Disney. There is something magical about this mouse. The Lion King, Tarzan, Monsters inc are great films, don't get me wrong, but they'll never stand the test of time that such a classic as Mickey has. Sure Disney have to make money, but when that money comes from entertaining kids, then stick with what you know!
Karl, Northants, UK
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