Gosh! Mickey turns 87: Awesome facts about the world's favourite mouse

The folks at Walt Disney and kids everywhere are celebrating Mickey Mouse’s 87th birthday.

That’s right, folks, Disney introduced Mickey on this date 87 years ago -- and for someone just two years older than Clint ‘make my day’ Eastwood, Mickey is looking swell.

Since his inception in our world, Mickey has continued to become more and more popular every year, making appearances in movies, television shows, expanding both Disneyland and Disney World, and of course, working his way into the hearts of millions of kids.

Rediff.com looks at some surprising Mickey facts.

1. From steam engines to electrical cars: Mickey made his first appearance in ‘Steamboat Willie’ on November 18, 1928.

2. The better half: Wayne Allwine, who voice Mickey Mouse from 1983 to 2009, was married to Russi Taylor, who has been the voice of Minnie Mouse since 1986.

3. ‘Mortimer’ Mouse: Mickey was originally set to be called ‘Mortimer’. It was Disney's wife, Lillian, who suggested Mickey. Mortimer eventually became the name of Mickey’s nemesis.

4. Mickey Mouse gas mask: The child-sized Mickey Mouse gas mask was created in 1942 to protect children in case of a nuclear attack.

5. A star is born: In 1978, Mickey became the first cartoon character to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

6. The voice of god: Walt Disney, the co-creator of Mickey, voiced the character from 1928 to 1946. It's suspected that Disney’s voice became too gravelly from smoking.

7. Mickey speak: In 1929, Mickey became the first cartoon character to actually speak, saying, ‘Hot dogs!’

8. Four fingered freaks: Mickey Mouse only has four fingers, but did you know there are two reasons behind it? The first was that Disney believed five fingers were too many for a mouse. The second was to save the company money!

9. Quotable quotes: Some of Mickey's favourite sayings are "oh, boy," "gosh," "that sure is swell," and "aw, gee!"

10. Murophobia: Believe it or not, Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, was afraid of mice. Talk about purging your fears.