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“Ehhh, What’s Up Doc?!”

Anyone who has watched, or even overheard, some of the delightful Looney Tunes characters interacting is likely to know that this phrase originated from a tall and lovable gray bunny rabbit! And today is just the time to honor this sassy, clever and precocious cartoon character.

Because it’s time for National Bugs Bunny Day!

History of National Bugs Bunny Day

Bugs Bunny got his start as the protagonist of a series of short animated films that ran for decades in the mid-20th century. This happy-go-lucky rabbit made his first appearance on Looney Tunes on April 30, 1938, which is the reason that this date continues to be the annual observance of National Bugs Bunny Day.

From appearing on a television game show to fighting against wartime enemies, Bugs Bunny always seems to be up for an adventure. With his Brooklyn accent and devil-may-care attitude, Bugs Bunny has been a favorite cartoon of kids and adults alike for many generations. He even featured on the big screen with his friend, Daffy, for several full-length feature films in the 1970s and 1980s.

Now, National Bugs Bunny Day is here to pay respect to this esteemed animated character that has been an American icon for more than 80 years.

How to Celebrate National Bugs Bunny Day

Have tons of fun observing and celebrating National Bugs Bunny Day with some of these creative ways to enjoy the day:

Watch Some Looney Tunes

Bugs Bunny is certainly one of the most important characters of the Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes gang, mostly interacting with Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, among others. Often seen eating carrots and stirring up trouble, Bugs Bunny makes a funny protagonist for this series of short animated films that were created from 1930 to 1969 and have continued airing in various places on television and the internet ever since. Filled with hijinx, the shows always seem to feature Bugs getting himself into sticky situations and then slipping himself out of them again.

Learn Some Fun Facts About Bugs Bunny

In celebration of National Bugs Bunny Day, here are some bits of trivia to share with friends:

  • Bugs Bunny was voiced by the same actor for almost 50 years. Mel Blanc began as the voice behind Bugs in 1940 and continued until 1989.

  • Bugs’ nonchalant, carrot-eating mannerisms were a nod to Clark Gable who snacks on carrots in the movie It Happened One Night.

  • Though he seems to have become more popular than his good friend, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny didn’t come first as he wasn’t created until a year later.

  • Bugs Bunny got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985.

Throw a National Bugs Bunny Day Party

Have some friends over for a delightful celebration with a Bugs Bunny themed party. Serve carrots and other bunny themed snacks, play a Looney Tunes music playlist or have the cartoons playing on the television for guests to watch. It might even be fun to invite guests to dress up as their favorite Looney Tunes character!

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