Mickey Mouse is Born
Mickey Mouse, the cartoon character that launched the career of Walt Disney, made his debut to the general public in the film 'Steamboat Willie' on November 19, 1928. The first film to use fully synchronised sound in cartoons, the film also featured Minnie Mouse and the two rodents were an instant hit.

Walt Elias Disney was born in Chicago in 1901 and sold his first drawings when he was just seven. He came to Hollywood in 1923 and after a couple of early films hit the big time when he created Mickey. In 1935, the League of Nations presented Walt Disney with a special medal, recognising Mickey Mouse as a "symbol of universal goodwill." Annual revenues for The Walt Disney Company are thought to be around $35 billion.