On November 18th, 1928, Mickey Mouse made his debut in the animated short film "Steamboat Willie" at the Colony Theater in New York City. This date is significant because it marks the birth of one of the most iconic and beloved cartoon characters in history.

"Steamboat Willie" was directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, and it was the first fully synchronized sound cartoon, meaning that the music and sound effects were perfectly timed with the actions on the screen. This was a groundbreaking achievement in animation at the time, and it set the standard for future animated films.

The short film features Mickey Mouse as a mischievous deckhand on a steamboat, causing trouble for the captain and pursuing his love interest, Minnie Mouse. The character of Mickey Mouse was actually first introduced in a silent cartoon called "Plane Crazy" earlier that year, but it was "Steamboat Willie" that captured the public's attention and launched Mickey into stardom.

The success of "Steamboat Willie" helped establish the Walt Disney Studios as a major player in the entertainment industry, and Mickey Mouse became the mascot of the company. Over the years, Mickey has appeared in countless animated shorts, feature films, television shows, comic books, and merchandise, becoming a global icon and a symbol of childhood innocence and fun.

Today, Mickey Mouse remains one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the world, with a fanbase that spans generations. The debut of "Steamboat Willie" on November 18th, 1928, is a significant moment in the history of animation and popular culture, marking the birth of a true celebrity in the world of cartoons.