For over ninety years, one of the world’s greatest entertainers has technically never been alive. Conjured from the imagination of Walt Disney and brought to life by artist Ub Iwerks, Micky Mouse has starred in some of the most enduring movie classics of our time (though not as many as you’d think), has interacted on stage and screen with some of the past century’s greatest figures, including Elvis Presley, Queen Elizabeth II, and every U.S. President since Truman (except for Lyndon Johnson). His image has been emblazoned upon countless watches, t-shirts, hats, and every other manner of clothing, and sometimes has been present when you weren’t even looking. Additionally, he is the mascot of the Walt Disney Company, and of the multitude of parks that bear his creator’s name. Now, in this special edition from LIFE, Mickey Mouse, we trace this iconic character’s birth and his rise to fame and dominance worldwide. Learn how Mickey helped Walt Disney and his company become the entertainment behemoth that it is today and learn about Mickey’s influence in sports and arts, among other spheres. This thoroughly entertaining special edition will remind you that even if you weren’t paying attention, Mickey has been there entertaining and inspiring.
MICKEY’S UNIVERSE • With his galactic success (yes, he has been to outer space), the Mouse has touched the brightest stars. Elvis, Queen Elizabeth, FDR, even, well, kind of, Shakespeare
A MOUSE IS BORN • Conceived on a cross-country train and imbued with movie star mojo, Mickey was precocious from the start
A MOUSE TAKES OFF • A seminal parade float, an Oscar-winning turn, a far-flung club of devotees, and merchandise galore: There was no stopping Mickey
Mickey & the Presidents • THE WHITE HOUSE? BEEN THERE. CONNECT WITH MORE THAN A DOZEN COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF? DONE THAT.
THE HOUSE THAT MOUSE BUILT • It was time for Mickey’s spiritual reach to take physical shape. In America, and the world
Mickey & Sports • HIS CAREER AS A JOCK WELL ESTABLISHED, THE MOUSE HAS HOBNOBBED WITH, AND INSPIRED, SOME ELITE ATHLETES
THOROUGHLY MODERN MICKEY • Mature in years, though ever young at heart, the Mouse adapted easily to changing times
Mickey & Art • SOME OF AMERICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARTISTS HAVE SET OUT TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF THE MOUSE
MICKEY IS IN THE BUILDING!
