Today is Mickey Mouse’s birthday. The most famous rodent in history is 81 years old, with his first animated feature, Steamboat Willie, having been released on November 18, 1928.

This video shows the birthday celebrations from last year, when Mickey Mouse turned 80. Proving his universal appeal and worldwide fame, these celebrations took place in India in 2008.

Mickey Mouse actually appeared in a cartoon (Plane Crazy) six months prior to Steamboat Willie but it’s that latter animated short that has stood the test of time.

Whether you love or hate Mickey Mouse, or even Disney as a whole, the influence it has had on young kids and teenagers is hard to fault. Mickey Mouse and his friends are all positive role models in a world where they are lacking in other areas of life.