HOLR HIGHLIGHTS
The key details readers need to know.
- July 27 is widely recognized as Bugs Bunny’s official birthday, marking the release of A Wild Hare in 1940.
- The Academy Award-nominated short introduced the Bugs Bunny audiences know today, complete with his famous catchphrase, “What’s up, Doc?”
- Although earlier rabbit characters inspired Bugs, July 27, 1940, is considered his official debut in animation history.
July 27, 2026
Today Is Bugs Bunny’s Birthday
One of animation’s most beloved characters is celebrating another milestone.
July 27 is widely recognized as Bugs Bunny’s official birthday, commemorating the release of Warner Bros.’ animated short A Wild Hare on July 27, 1940. More than eight decades later, the wisecracking rabbit remains one of the most recognizable cartoon characters ever created, with his signature wit, carrot-chomping grin and unforgettable greeting still delighting audiences around the world.
Bugs Bunny made his grand debut in the summer of 1940. The animated short, “A Wild Hare,” was released on July 27, 1940. (Warner Bros.)
While Bugs Bunny has starred in hundreds of cartoons, television specials, films and video games, it all traces back to one seven-minute animated short that forever changed cartoon history.
Today Is Bugs Bunny’s Birthday
Why July 27 Is Bugs Bunny’s Official Birthday
Animation historians often point to A Wild Hare as the moment Bugs Bunny officially came to life.
Before 1940, Warner Bros. had experimented with rabbit characters in several animated shorts, including Porky’s Hare Hunt (1938). Those early rabbits shared some similarities with Bugs, but they looked different, acted differently and hadn’t yet developed the confident personality fans would come to know.
Bugs Bunny from Warner Bros.
Everything changed with A Wild Hare.
The short introduced Bugs Bunny with his familiar grey-and-white appearance, laid-back attitude and quick sense of humour. It also paired him with Elmer Fudd, beginning one of animation’s most iconic rivalries.
Most importantly, audiences heard Bugs casually ask a hunter one simple question while munching on a carrot:
“What’s up, Doc?”
That line would become one of the most famous catchphrases in entertainment history.
The Cartoon That Changed Animation Forever
Released by Warner Bros. Cartoons, A Wild Hare was directed by Tex Avery, whose comedic style helped define the Golden Age of Animation.
Tex Avery Made the Looney Tunes Funny
Voice actor Mel Blanc also debuted the voice that would become synonymous with Bugs Bunny, creating the Brooklyn-inspired accent that audiences instantly connected with the character.
The cartoon was an immediate success and even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (Cartoons), helping establish Bugs Bunny as Warner Bros.’ biggest animated star.
From that point forward, Bugs became the face of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, appearing alongside beloved characters including Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Yosemite Sam, Marvin the Martian, Sylvester, Tweety and Foghorn Leghorn.
Why Bugs Bunny Still Matters
More than 86 years after his official debut, Bugs Bunny remains one of the most influential animated characters ever created.
His clever personality helped redefine cartoon heroes. Instead of relying on strength, Bugs almost always outsmarted his opponents with intelligence, humour and perfect comedic timing.
That formula inspired generations of animated characters across film and television.
Whether he was escaping Elmer Fudd, tricking Yosemite Sam or outwitting Marvin the Martian, Bugs rarely lost his cool, making him one of pop culture’s most enduring icons.
Daily Mail Online
Bugs Bunny’s Legacy Beyond Cartoons
Bugs Bunny’s popularity quickly expanded beyond theatrical shorts.
Over the decades, he has appeared in feature films, comic books, television specials, theme parks, merchandise, video games and even postage stamps.
In 1997, TV Guide named Bugs Bunny the greatest cartoon character of all time.
The character also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming one of the few animated icons to receive the honour.
In 2020, Warner Bros. celebrated Bugs Bunny’s 80th anniversary, while the United States Postal Service released commemorative stamps featuring the legendary rabbit.
Today, Bugs continues introducing new generations to Looney Tunes through streaming platforms, new animated productions and crossover appearances.
More Than Just a Birthday
Although earlier rabbit characters existed before 1940, July 27 has become the date fans celebrate because it marks the first appearance of the Bugs Bunny everyone recognizes today.
pintrest
From his unmistakable laugh to his endless confidence and legendary one-liners, Bugs Bunny has become far more than an animated rabbit.
He’s a symbol of classic Hollywood animation and one of the most recognizable fictional characters ever created.
So if someone asks why social media is celebrating Bugs Bunny today, the answer is simple:
Happy Birthday, Bugs Bunny!
FAQs
Is today Bugs Bunny’s birthday?
Yes. July 27 is widely celebrated as Bugs Bunny’s official birthday because it marks the release of A Wild Hare on July 27, 1940, the cartoon considered his official debut.
How old is Bugs Bunny in 2026?
Bugs Bunny is celebrating 86 years since his official debut in A Wild Hare in 1940.
What was Bugs Bunny’s first cartoon?
While rabbit prototypes appeared earlier, A Wild Hare (1940) is recognized as Bugs Bunny’s official debut.
Who created Bugs Bunny?
Bugs Bunny was developed through the work of several Warner Bros. animation pioneers, including Tex Avery, Bob Givens, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng and writer Michael Maltese. Mel Blanc became the iconic voice of the character.
Why is Bugs Bunny so famous?
Bugs Bunny became famous for his clever personality, humorous catchphrases, memorable rivalry with Elmer Fudd and decades of starring roles in Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes cartoons.