NATIONAL DONALD DUCK DAY

4 min. read
June 9, 2026

NATIONAL DONALD DUCK DAY

National Donald Duck Day on June 9 commemorates the birthday of the funny animated cartoon character known as Donald Duck. Making his first screen debut on June 9, 1934, in The Wise Little Hen, Donald Duck has become an iconic symbol in animation and in homes, alike.

#DonaldDuckDay

Usually wearing a sailor suit with a cap and a black or red bow tie, Donald Duck is most famous for his semi-intelligible speech along with his mischievous and irritable personality. Known for his quick temper, Donald Duck seems to quack his way through oodles of bad luck. Yet, despite his hot temper, Donald Duck is a loving character with a good heart. 

Did you know Donald Duck's middle is Fauntleroy? . The name means "child king" and derived from Old French.

The Donald Duck character has graced screen and print since 1934. He has appeared in over 190 films and countless comic strips and books, more than any other Disney character. He has appeared in more films than any other Disney character. In fact, Donald Duck was also declared in 2002 by TV Guide as one of the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time. His 'acting' career has earned him Academy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Who knew a duck could be so famous? 

5 WAYS TODONALD DUCK DAY

Wish Donald Duck a Happy Birthday! While you're celebrating, check out these other fun ideas, too:

  1. Host a Donald Duck impersonation contest.

  2. Bake Donald Duck-shaped cookies.

  3. Watch episodes of Donald Duck cartoons.

  4. Play Donald Duck trivia games. 

  5. Share your love for Donald Duck on social media using the hashtag #DonaldDuckDay.

NATIONAL DONALD DUCK DAY HISTORY

National Donald Duck Day was first proclaimed by L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley in 1984 on Donald's 50th birthday. The world's most famous duck gave the city a silver statue of himself as a gift in memory of the big day. He also toured the country leading up to the big Disney birthday party bash. 

Historical Events on June 9 

1953

The U.S. Patent Office issued patent no. 2,641,545 to John H. Kraft for his method to "manufacture of soft surface cured cheese." The process-related to soft cheeses with a "bloomy rind" such as Camembert, Brie, and Chaource. While these types of cheese were not new, Kraft's method for producing these cheeses was.

1973

Ron Turcotte rides Secretariat to a Triple Crown win at the Belmont Stakes.

1983

Margaret Thatcher is re-elected to Prime Minister of England.

Celebrated Birthdays on June 9

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson - 1836

After being denied entry to medical school in Britain, Elizabeth Anderson pursued her education in France and obtained her license in 1865. She was the first woman in France to do so and also the first British woman to earn a medical degree. She would later co-found the London School of Medicine for Women.

Cole Porter - 1893

Composer and songwriter, Cole Porter is known for his catchy Broadway and Hollywood show tunes such as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “Anything Goes.”

Les Paul - 1915

One of the pioneering names in electric guitars, Les Paul began his career playing music and establishing a jazz band. Paul revolutionized the music world when he invented one of the first solid-body electric guitars in 1941.