Bugs Bunny is an animated cartoon character; created in 1940 by Leon Schlesinger Productions (later Warner Bros. Cartoons) and voiced originally by the legendary vocal artist, Mel Blanc. Bugs is best known for his starring roles in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of animated short films, produced by Warner Bros. during the golden age of American animation. His popularity during this era led to his becoming an American cultural icon, as well as the official mascot of Warner Bros. Entertainment.
Bugs is an anthropomorphic gray hare or rabbit who is famous for his flippant, insouciant personality; a Brooklyn accent; his portrayal as a trickster; and his catch phrase "Eh... What's up, doc?", usually spoken while chewing a carrot. Though a similar rabbit character began appearing in the Warner Bros. cartoon shorts during the late 1930s, the definitive character of Bugs Bunny is widely credited to have made his debut in director Tex Avery's Oscar-nominated film A Wild Hare (1940).
Since his debut, Bugs has appeared in various short films, feature films, compilations, TV series, music records, comic books, video games, award shows, amusement park rides, and commercials. He has also appeared in more films than any other cartoon character,is the ninth most-portrayed film personality in the world,[4] and has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
| First appearance |
Porky's Hare Hunt (early version)
April 30, 1938
A Wild Hare (official version)
July 27, 1940 |
| Created by |
Ben Hardaway, Cal Dalton (prototype)
Tex Avery (official) |
| Voiced by |
Mel Blanc (1940–1989)
Jeff Bergman (1990–1992, 2003, 2011–present)
Greg Burson (1991–1997)
Billy West (1996–2006)
Joe Alaskey (2000–2011)
Samuel Vincent (2001–2006) |
| Developed by |
Bob Clampett
Friz Freleng
Chuck Jones
Robert McKimson |