In a world where CGI and 3D animation dominate the silver screen, it’s easy to forget the humble beginnings of animated characters.
However, many classic cartoon characters created in the early to mid-20th century continue to resonate with audiences today. Characters like Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Tom and Jerry have remained cultural icons for decades. Their enduring popularity speaks volumes about the lasting impact of early animation.
So let’s look into the world of cartoon history and explore the characters that have stood the test of time.
1. Gertie the Dinosaur
Gertie the Dinosaur, created by Winsor McCay in 1914, is widely considered the first true animated cartoon character.
This friendly brontosaurus captivated audiences with her playful personality and groundbreaking animation techniques. McCay’s use of keyframing and cycles gave Gertie a lifelike quality that was revolutionary for its time.
Gertie’s debut marked a significant milestone in animation history. Her ability to interact with her creator on screen blurred the lines between reality and fantasy, setting the stage for future animated characters to become cultural icons.
2. Felix the Cat
Felix the Cat, created by Australian cartoonist Pat Sullivan in 1919, became the world’s most popular cartoon character during the silent film era.
With his distinctive black body and mischievous grin, Felix captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. His expressive face and clever antics made him a perfect fit for the silent film format, where visual storytelling was paramount.
Felix’s popularity extended far beyond the silver screen. He became one of the first cartoon characters to be extensively merchandised, with his image appearing on everything from clocks to Christmas ornaments.
3. Mickey Mouse
While not the oldest, Mickey Mouse, created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928, revolutionized the animation industry and became a global cultural phenomenon.
Mickey’s debut in “Steamboat Willie” marked the first synchronized sound cartoon, ushering in a new era of animation. His cheerful personality and distinctive round ears quickly made him the most recognizable cartoon character in the world.
Disney’s innovative approach to character development and storytelling with Mickey set new standards for the industry.
The mouse’s success laid the foundation for the Walt Disney Company’s expansion into feature-length animated films, theme parks, and beyond, shaping the landscape of family entertainment for generations to come.
4. Betty Boop
With her flapper style and distinctive “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” catchphrase, Betty became an icon of the Jazz Age. Her cartoons often featured risqué humor and jazzy musical numbers, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in animation at the time.
Betty’s popularity led to a crackdown on suggestive content in cartoons, resulting in the enforcement of the Hays Code in 1934. Despite this setback, Betty Boop remained a beloved character, influencing fashion and pop culture for decades to come.
5. Popeye the Sailor Man
Known for his bulging forearms, squinty eye, and love of spinach, Popeye quickly became a cultural icon. His catchphrase, “I yam what I yam,” resonated with audiences during the Great Depression, embodying a spirit of resilience and self-acceptance.
Popeye’s influence extended beyond entertainment. The U.S. spinach industry credited the character with a 33% increase in spinach consumption during the 1930s.(ref) This early example of product placement demonstrated the power of cartoon characters to shape real-world behavior.
6. Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny, created by a team of animators at Warner Bros. in 1940, became the studio’s most famous and enduring character.
Known for his catchphrase “What’s up, doc?” and his ability to outsmart any opponent, Bugs quickly became a fan favorite. His irreverent humor and cool demeanor made him the perfect foil for a variety of adversaries, from Elmer Fudd to Yosemite Sam.
Bugs Bunny’s popularity has never waned. In 1985, he became the second cartoon character (after Mickey Mouse) to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his status as an animation legend.
7. Tom & Jerry
The constant battle between the mischievous mouse Jerry and the determined cat Tom has entertained audiences for over 80 years. Their wordless antics transcended language barriers, making them global stars.
The duo’s success led to seven Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film, more than any other character-based theatrical animated series. Their influence on physical comedy in animation can still be seen in contemporary cartoons and live-action comedies.
8. Mighty Mouse
Originally conceived as a parody of Superman, Mighty Mouse quickly developed his own unique identity. His catchphrase, “Here I come to save the day!” became a rallying cry for children across America.
Mighty Mouse’s popularity in the 1950s and 1960s coincided with the rise of television. His cartoons were among the first to be repurposed for TV broadcast, helping to establish the Saturday morning cartoon tradition that would dominate children’s entertainment for decades.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
