Bugs Bunny Makes His Cartoon Debut
U.S. #3137
On July 27, 1940, the world first met Bugs Bunny and heard him utter his now famous phrase, “Eh, what’s up, Doc?”
Earlier versions of an animated rabbit had been used in cartoons during the late 1930s that were directed by Ben “Bugs” Hardaway and Cal Dalton. One day, designer Charlie Thorson labeled one of the drawings “Bugs’ bunny” (after the cartoon’s director) and the name stuck.
With the new name and some tweaks to his appearance, the new Bugs Bunny first appeared in the 1940 Tex Avery Short, A Wild Hare. In it, Bugs and his rival, hunter Elmer Fudd, have their first of many similar exchanges, beginning with Bugs’ famous line. The cartoon also gave Bugs his signature voice, thanks to the acting talents of Mel Blanc, who’d go on to voice most of Warner Brothers’ most famous characters.
From that one cartoon, Bugs went on to become one of the most recognizable cartoon characters in the world. He’s appeared in comics, video games, amusement park rides, and music records. Bugs has also appeared in more movies than any other cartoon character.
Bugs went on to become an ambassador for Stampers to spread the joy of collecting to children with this stamp sheet in 1997.
Click here to add this sheet – and its history – to your collection.
By Jerry Hallead July 27, 2015 - 1:18 pm
Thanks Don. Love this feature.
By AG July 27, 2016 - 5:29 am
Bugs Bunny, my favorite cartoon character! I always enjoyed how he would try to go about his day, and then Elmer, Daffy, Foghorn or some other character would come along and try to ruin his day. Bugs had patience and would try to give his adversary the benefit of the doubt, but when pushed too far, he’d declare, “This means war!” and start defending himself until he triumphed. So much more interesting than Mickey Mouse.
By Denis O'Sullivan July 27, 2016 - 2:33 pm
Stories on US Stamps is SUPERB, Excellent no changes to be made for this entry.
By Richard Miller August 13, 2018 - 3:41 pm
Verrry Interesting!
By Larry Johnson July 29, 2020 - 10:48 am
Mel did a fantastic job!