National Bugs Bunny Day 2021: 13 Crazy Facts You Probably Didn't Know

The bunny we all know and love is celebrating his special day on April 30. Considered as one of the most famous icons of our childhood, Bugs Bunny's special day commemorates the date when he first debuted in the year 1938.

In celebration of National Bugs Bunny Day, here are 13 facts you may not know about the carrot-loving icon, courtesy of Mental Floss, ITV and Facts.net.

His mannerisms were partially inspired by Clark Gable.
The American film actor Clark Gable influenced the creation of Bugs Bunny's character. Bugs' iconic carrot-eating manner and nonchalant personality were inspired by Gable's performance in "It Happened One Night," particularly the scene where he was leaning on a fence while snacking on carrots.

The creators were worried he would seem like a bully.
Although perceived as a mischievous, fun-loving character, the creators of Bugs Bunny were worried the rabbit might give off the impression of being a bully. “It was very important that he be provoked because otherwise, he’d be a bully,” director Chuck Jones shared. “We didn’t want that. We wanted him to be a nice person.”

Bugs Bunny starred in more than 150 cartoon short movies in just 24 years.

From 1940 to 1964, Bugs Bunny appeared in more than 150 cartoon shorts, including “Dumb Patrol,” “Hold the Lion, Please” and “Napoleon Bunny-Part.”

He made cameos in World War II military propaganda.
During World War II, Bugs Bunny appeared in several Snafu shorts where he instructed U.S. military troops about proper sanitation and keeping American secrets. The films were considered classified information and even the animators themselves weren't allowed to see the final products.

Bugs Bunny is listed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1985.
Bugs Bunny starred in more films than any other cartoon character on the planet, according to Facts.net. His character became so famous that he eventually got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 21, 1985.

“Space Jam” became the highest-grossing non-Disney animated film in its time.
“Space Jam” quickly became a crowd-favorite when animators paired Bugs Bunny with the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan in 1996. Now considered the highest-grossing non-Disney animated film in its time (amounting to $100 million globally), “Space Jam” has aged well and remains to be a classic for cartoon and sports lovers alike.

The catchphrase, "What's up, doc?" was a common expression in Texas.
Tex Avery, the American animator and director revealed that Bugs Bunny's most famous catchphrase, "What's up, doc?" was a common expression in his home state. Avery shared that he did not think much of it when he suggested the line and was surprised when the line received a positive audience reaction.

Bugs has been named the most popular cartoon of all time.
When we talk about the world's most famous animated animal, Mickey Mouse automatically comes to mind. However, on TV Guide's 2002 list of greatest cartoon characters of all time, Bugs Bunny took the top spot.

People tried to get him to swap carrots for celery.
In the 1940s, Salt Lake City’s United Celery Company told Warner Bros. that they would offer to supply their staff with a month's supply of their product if Bugs would swap his carrots for celery. Warner Bros. politely refused the offer.

Bugs Bunny started as an "extra."
The famous rabbit first appeared as an extra in a Porky Pig cartoon. Creators of the character had no plans of making Bugs a lead character but after receiving outstanding feedback, the then-unnamed rabbit eventually made a name of his own in the cartoon industry.

Bugs Bunny was featured on "​Seinfeld."
In the fourth season of "Seinfeld," Jerry sings the theme song for "The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour." Elaine then responds with, “All your knowledge of high culture comes from Bugs Bunny cartoons."

The man who voiced him wasn't allergic to carrots.
Mel Blanc, the voice actor who played Bugs Bunny, wasn't allergic to carrots, as some have been led to believe. Chuck McKibben, operations manager at Mel Blanc studios, revealed that the reason Blanc chewed carrots and spat them out was so he could keep recording his lines.

His name came from his animator.
The mischievous rabbit was named after Ben "Bugs" Hardaway, his animator. One of Hardaway's fellow employees labeled the former's drawings "Bugs Bunny" -- a name that stuck from then on.