Donald Duck's 80th birthday today!

Donald Duck made his debut on this date in 1934 staring in the Silly Symphony animated short, “The Wise Little Hen.” Donald is known for having a fiery temper, humorous voice, and mannerisms. His temper has gotten him into some tight spots. Although Donald can be loud and selfish, he is extremely loyal and will do anything to help a friend in need.Even after all these years, Walt Disney's wonderful world of colour never seems to get old. This is partly due to all the fond memories we have of it, but mostly because of the characters Disney created and somehow managed to immortalize.

From Mickey and Minnie to Goofy, Disney characters have always been a huge part of our lives; but how much do we really know about them? Well, it's everyone's favorite hot-head, Donald Duck's 80th birthday today. With that in mind, here are  things you never knew about this adorably cantankerous web-footed toon:

1.      Donald’s full name is Donald Fauntleroy Duck.

2.      Donald starred in the Academy Award-winning 1943 film Der Fuehrer’s Face about the struggles of living in Nazi Germany.

3.      In the 1940s, Donald was so popular that he starred in more cartoons than Mickey Mouse.

4.      Donald doesn’t don pants with his sailor shirt, but does wear swimming trunks when he goes for a swim.

5.      During WWII, Donald appeared on the nose artwork of nearly every type of Allied combat aircraft, from the L-4 Grasshopper to the B-29 Superfortress.

6.      Donald suffers from a form of color blindness.

7.      Voters in Scandinavian countries placing “protest votes” typically write “Donald Duck” as the candidate.

8.      Donald holds an honorary degree from the University of Oregon.

9.      Walt Disney authorized Donald to be used as a mascot for the US Coast Guard.

10.  Donald’s parents are named Quakmore and Hortense Duck.

11.  It goes without saying that Donald has one of the most distinct voices; but most people don't know that he was voiced originally by Clarence Nash. He did his work dutifully from 1934 to 1983. His last performance as the Donald was in 'Mickey's Christmas Carol' and later, he trained Tony Anselmo--who's been Donald's voice ever since. Sadly 'Ducky' Nash (as he was fondly called) died of leukemia in 1985, after devoting his entire career to the duck.

12.  Donald's better half, the sassy and beautiful Daisy Duck had different name, before she became famous! She was Donna when she first appeared in 'Don Donald,' a 1937 short film.

13.   Donald Duck and his buddies come from a little place called Duckburg--his (almost) namesake hometown.

14.  . In 1936 Donald was given a serious makeover only two years after his birth. Walt Disney decided that he wasn't adorable enough, and he went out of his way to make him more appealing to audiences. The key changes? He made him rounder! All we can say is that it worked, because he sure is lovable!

15.  Bet you never noticed, but Donald's license plate number reads 313. This is meant to indicate that he's a very unlucky ducky indeed!

16.  His greatest enemies (which as most fans may know) are two chipmunks! They made their debut in a cartoon entitled 'Private Pluto' and their names were 'Chip' and 'Dale.'

17.  Walt Disney had satire on his mind while creating his unique Disney characters. Donald Duck, for instance, is supposed to represent what we are, while Mickey is supposed to represent what we should be!