Felix the Cat

Felix the Cat is widely regarded as the first cartoon star, achieving international fame in the early 20th century. While often attributed to Pat Sullivan, the character's creation is now broadly accepted to be the work of animator Otto Messmer.12

Felix was known for his simple yet expressive design, making him easy to animate and a popular model for subsequent cartoon characters. His personality was characterized by joy, shrewdness, and a tendency to walk in circles when perplexed. The character's immense popularity led to extensive merchandising, including dolls and comic books.1

Felix's success waned with the advent of sound cinema, and the series concluded in 1931. Despite later revivals, Felix the Cat remains a significant figure in animation history, predating other major cartoon stars like Mickey Mouse.12