Mickey Mouse, the best-known cartoon character of the Disney dynasty, emerged from the pen of Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928 as the main character in the animated film "Steamboat Willie." Walt Disney himself first voiced the anthropomorphic mouse. Mickey appeared in many more cartoons and comic strips; he acquired a female companion, Minnie Mouse, and many friends like Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. He presided over the building of empire of animated and live-action movies, TV shows, and amusement parks, and he fostered his own fan club with members all over America. By his 50th birthday, he had his own square on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. His popularity and brand recognition has not subsided in the least. Today, Mickey Mouse is known throughout the world and reigns still as the iconic symbol of a powerful, worldwide entertainment corporation.