Who HQ brings you the stories behind the most beloved characters of our time. Meet Mickey Mouse—Disney's most famous and much-loved cartoon character ! In 1928, the short film Steamboat Willie dazzled audiences. It was not only one of the first cartoons to feature sound, it was also where viewers first met Mickey Mouse. Despite starting out as a replacement for another Disney cartoon character, Mickey has since taken over the spotlight and won the hearts of children and adults all over the world. He is a true international superstar! Mickey has starred in countless movies and television shows, has been in Academy Award-winning films, and even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's not hard to see why Mickey Mouse is one of the world's most recognizable and popular Disney characters.