Happy Birthday To The Most Famous Rabbit, Ever

There is certainly only one rabbit to have ever made a significant impact on American society, and he has a birthday today. That's right - Bugs Bunny is 71. Through the miracle of television, though, he looks just as good now, as he did 30 years ago!

Many children growing up nowadays don't know who Bugs Bunny even is. But honestly, childrens television is much different, much faster, and far more complicated, than it was when many of us were kids. A lot of kids take one look at an old cartoon from the 70's or 80's - and quickly turn the channel elsewhere.

When I was a boy, I watched Bugs Bunny (and all those other Merrie Melody characters), Popeye, and Tom & Jerry. Those were the cartoons that I watched every day. Try telling your child that Bugs was bigger then - than Spongebob Squarepants is now. They probably won't believe you.

Bugs was first introduced to the world on this day in 1940. He appeared in a cartoon called "A Wild Hare", which also featured Elmer Fudd, for the first time. By World War II, Bugs was a star, and his cartoon 'shorts' were favorites of American troops fighting all around the world.

Bugs Bunny has appeared in over 60 films, and the television show "The Bugs Bunny Show" remained on network television for 40 years, while frequently changing the format and title. Bugs has been the official mascot for Warner Bros. Entertainment since 1947.

In 2002, TV Guide compiled a list of the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time as part of the magazine's 50th anniversary. Bugs Bunny was given the honor of #1.

Bugs may not be as famous or popular now, as he once was, but he is still exceptionally important.

And still has never been out-smarted!

What's up, Doc?