Wednesday, November 18 is Mickey Mouse's birthday, marking 87 years since he officially debuted in Walt Disney's short film, "Steamboat Willie."
The black-and-white short premiered in New York on Nov. 18, 1928. It was the first sound-synchronized animated cartoon, featuring a post-produced soundtrack that distinguished it from earlier sound cartoons.
Wednesday also marks Minnie Mouse's birthday, since she also appeared in "Steamboat Willie."
Though Mickey and Minnie both appeared several months earlier in a test screening of "Plane Crazy" on May 15, 1928, Disney officially recognizes "Steamboat Willie" as the couple's official debut and shared birthday.
Mickey and Minnie are two of only three Disney characters with an officially recognized birthday. The third is Donald Duck, who debuted on June 9, 1934 and turned 81 this year.