By Beth Deitchman
It was a celebration befitting one of Hollywood’s most prolific stars. This morning Minnie Mouse received an official star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honor given to the screen legend and fashion icon by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in celebration of her 90th anniversary. And as if that wasn’t enough of a tribute to the screen and fashion icon, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared today Minnie Mouse Day in Hollywood. January 22 is also National Polka Dot day, so Minnie wasn’t exaggerating when she declared today “the best day ever!”
Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger and global pop superstar Katy Perry (judge of ABC’s American Idol) joined Minnie for a special ceremony this morning in Hollywood outside of the legendary El Capitan Theatre, where Iger acknowledged the guest of honor as “a true legend, a real character, and the first lady of The Walt Disney Company.”
“Minnie Mouse has been a star and a fashion icon since she first burst onto the scene in the groundbreaking animated classic, Steamboat Willie,” said Iger. “The star of more than 70 movies during her illustrious career, Minnie has entertained millions of people around the world, touching hearts and bringing joy wherever she goes. We’re thrilled to see her cultural influence and many achievements recognized with her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
Katy Perry—emulating Minnie’s signature style in a red dress with white polka dots—emphasized Minnie’s impact as a fashion muse. “To this day, no one rocks a bow, the color red, or a dot quite like her–trust me, I’m trying,” said Perry.
In addition to Minnie’s decades-long career on screens both big and small—from her debut in Steamboat Willie to her roles in popular animated series airing now on Disney Channels around the world, such as Mickey and the Roadster Racers and the Mickey Mouse shorts—and her influence on the world of fashion, Minnie was also heralded as a force for good. Iger noted, “Always ahead of her time, Minnie was an influencer way before the rise of social media, making kindness and joy fashionable along with her hats, her bows, and her polka dots.” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ recent #ShareYourEars campaigns featured countless tributes to Minnie and resulted in $4 million in donations benefiting Make-A-Wish.
“Minnie always finds time to use her many talents and celebrity to lift spirits, bring laughter to children, and support causes that are making a positive impact on countless communities. She has the ability to touch hearts and bring joy everywhere she goes,” said Iger, adding, “For all of her many accomplishments as an entertainer and a fashionista, I think what we love most about Minnie Mouse is her ability to just make us smile.”
Today also marked the launch of a new 20-piece special-edition Coach collection inspired by Minnie’s iconic style. The collection includes handbags, small leather goods, ready-to-wear, and specialty items—all infusing signature Coach silhouettes reimagined with vintage-inspired Disney patches and—of course—Minnie Mouse’s favorite polka dots. Minnie wore a bespoke dress designed by Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers to a celebratory lunch immediately following the ceremony at Hollywood’s famed Chateau Marmont.
Though Minnie now takes her place among some of the most prolific stars in Hollywood, the icon took this great honor in stride. “I’m so grateful and I want to thank all my friends from around the world. And Mickey, I’m so happy you’re here to share this wonderful day with me,” she said. “This really is the best day ever!”
