LPWire: Donald Duck to Get Star in Hollywood, Fans Invited to Free Screening Following

QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK!!
Translation: Donald Duck to be Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!!

Donald Duck, who celebrates his 70th birthday this year will be honored with the 2,257th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star will be unveiled on Monday, August 9, at 10:30 a.m. at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Disney Store/El Capitan Theatre.

Johnny Grant, Honorary Mayor of Hollywood and Chairman of the Walk of Fame Committee, will preside over the event and Leron Gubler, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will speak on behalf of the organization. Michael Eisner, CEO of the Walt Disney Company will also be part of the celebration. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy Duck and Pluto will also be on hand to wish Donald a Happy Birthday.

Donald first appeared in the Silly Symphonies cartoon The Wise Little Hen on June 9, 1934. He is the son of Hortense McDuck and Quackmore Duck, brother to Della Thelma Duck, and uncle to three identical triplet nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie. Donald was originally drawn by animator Dick Lundy and has since continued to be portrayed by Disney’s finest animators. Clarence “Ducky�? Nash was his voice for 51 years, and Disney animator Tony Anselmo carries on the proud vocal tradition.

Donald began to star in solo cartoons in 1937, the first being Don Donald, which introduced his long-time love interest, Daisy Duck. His early career was quite busy, and before 1941 he had appeared in over 50 cartoons. One of his most notable performances was in “Der Fuehrer’s Face,�? a World War II anti-Nazi film. In the film Donald has a nightmare about living in a country run by Nazis, but awakes to rediscover the freedoms that we Americans can never take for granted. This patriotic short won the 1943 Academy Award® for Best Animated Short Film.

Donald Duck’s popularity extends from films to print, consumer products, the internet and more. His weekly and monthly comic books continue to enjoy worldwide popularity. He is an ambassador to millions at Disney Resorts across the globe. From humble beginnings as a barnyard duck, Donald has become one of the most beloved cultural icons on the planet. His hilarious antics have entertained and delighted millions of fans for generations.

As of today, Donald has just been given a starring role in Disney’s The Three Musketeers, whose direct-to-DVD debut is being celebrated August 17. This marks the first feature-length film ever starring Donald, Mickey Mouse and Goofy together. Donald’s other films include: Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, Mickey’s Christmas Carol and The Prince and the Pauper.

The Walt Disney Company has graciously offered to provide free popcorn and screen The Three Musketeers at the historic El Capitan Theatre for a limited number of fans attending the ceremony. To RSVP while supplies last, please call 818-560-2684 or [email protected]

--Posted August 2, 2004
Source: Hollywood Walk of Fame