Mickey Mouse Turns 83: What Makes This Birthday Special (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

The most famous mouse in the world is turning 83 today. Mickey Mouse has been a little mascot of The Walt Disney Company ever since the cartoon character debuted in 1928.

The widely popular character has completed 83 years of entertaining people of all ages with its witty comic adventure. Mickey's popularity skyrocketed as soon as it hit the screen Nov. 18, 1928, in Disney's widely watched show Steanboat Willie.

Mickey also appeared in several comics and was the prominent character of comic strips and video games.

After a handful of rejected sketches of animated characters, Ub Iwerks finally came up with the landmark toon Mickey in 1928. Created as a replacement for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Iwerks got the inspiration for Mickey from his old pet mouse he had at his own farm.

The little rodent in red pants, white gloves, yellow shoes and wide eyes became an icon for children all over the world. In fact, it has been used as a political figure, a kind of an ambassador of The United States reaching out to children, as cited by Times Live.

Disney celebrates the birthday of its talisman every year, but this year the channel will premiere Mickey's solo performance in a special song, created exclusively for his birthday. Also, its fans can rejoice back-to-back special programs and movies like Mickey Mouse Club House Road Rally on Disney Channel.

This animated character gave world wide acclaim to Disney; the honorary Academy Award in 1932, an Oscar Award and over nine nominations for the Best Animated Short Film, to name a few.

Nonetheless, the best tribute to Mickey Mouse was given by its creator Walt Disney, as he was quoted as saying I hope we never lose sight of one fact... that this was all started by a Mouse, during his first television show in 1954.

Check out the video and pictures of the little mischievous troublemaker who has made a permanent place in everyone's' heart.