The Unknown Rise of Daisy Duck

In the entertainment business, cartoon characters are treated as real celebrities and public figures with full careers and accolades to match.

Daisy Duck is a beloved Disney character who holds significant influence in both pop culture and Disney history. She became an iconic figure in popular culture by transcending her roots as a Disney character and has become a recognizable symbol in various forms of media, including television, films, comics, merchandise, and theme park attractions. Her likeness is often featured in advertising campaigns and promotional materials, making her an important character for Disney's marketing strategies. She, like many fictional characters have accomplished much more than many ordinary beings will ever see.

However, her long-standing presence and rise into animation history and pop culture might not have been as clear cut as you originally thought.

Donna Duck, Donald's ex-girlfriend

Daisy was NOT Donald's original love interest. It was Donna Duck. Donna, a latin female, made her sole animated appearance in the short film Don Donald (1937), directed by Ben Sharpsteen. It was the first installment of the Donald Duck film series and was also the first time Donald was shown with a love interest (which it is significant for).

Don Donald promotional poster

After Donna made her one and only appearance on screen, Daisy entered with her first appearance several years later as Donald's new love interest in Mr. Duck Steps Out (June 7, 1940) directed by Jack King.

Promotional poster for Mr. Duck Steps Out

After this, in Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #1 (published in October 1940), Daisy Duck is named Donna in an image that appears based on Mr. Duck Steps Out.

Image from Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #1

The image contains Donald and Daisy, with the text "Donald's got a girl! —and Donna thinks that HE'S just dandy. Because his heart is full of—candy!"

Daisy continued to appear in Disney shorts from 1941 to 1947. Her appearances became significant to her career such as her cameo in The Nifty Nineties (1941), which cemented her as a recurring character. Her appearance in Donald's Crime (1945) marked the first time Daisy appeared in an Academy Award nominated film (Best Animated Short). The ceremony was held as the 18th Academy Awards on March 7, 1946 at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

She had her first starring role as the protagonist in Donald's Dilemma (July 11, 1947). In 1950, the 88th short film in Donald's series, Crazy Over Daisy, was titled after Daisy.

Other Disney characters, such as Goofy, were introduced under various names including ones like Dippy Dawg.

Facts like this caused some historians to conclude that Donna and Daisy are the same character.

1951 comic featuring both Donna and Daisy

Donna returned in Bob Karp's Donald Duck daily strips from 1951, where she's moving in as Donald's neighbor, causing Daisy to be jealous. This establishes the two as separate characters and marks the first time they appear together in a story.

Cel from 2012 comic, Too Many Donalds

Donna and Daisy are clearly rivals and not just over Donald's love. It seems that Daisy got the rising star that was somehow originally meant for Donna and became a star in her own right. Although Donna was not intended to be a recurring character in the Donald Duck series. Donna has only made one current appearance in a 2012 comic by Lars Jensen and Carlos Mota, called Too Many Donalds. Other than that, Donna is all but forgotten.

Confusingly, in spite of the above-mentioned comics showing Donna to be a separate character from Daisy, various other Disney products, such as the book Disney Dossiers: Files of Characters From the Walt Disney Studios and the Walt Disney Cartoon Classics: Starring Donald and Daisy VHS, refer to Donna and Daisy as being one and the same.

These public misunderstandings resulted in Daisy erroneously being given credit for Donna's appearance in Don Donald, with some marking it as Daisy's official debut instead of Mr. Duck Steps Out. All this taking place during what is known as the Golden Age of American animation.

Not only did Don Donald and Mr. Duck Steps Out have different directers but they also had a set of different writers. Yet, the decision to replace Donna with Daisy came from Carl Barks, the screenwriter and lead Storyboard artist for Mr. Duck Steps Out. He was inspired by Don Donald, to revive the concept of a female counterpart for Donald. Just like that, Daisy was there. Regardless of the behind the scenes drama, confusion and competition, Daisy emerged from the scandal a star.

Since then Daisy has appeared in several different theatrical films including: Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Fantasia 2000 (1999). Direct to video classics like, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999), Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (2004), and Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (2004). As well as television series: Quack Pack (1996), House of Mouse (3 seasons), the main cast of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and its successful spin-off Mickey Mouse Funhouse. Not to mention many comics.

Although never married, Daisy and Donald have been a couple for eighty-plus years as of 2023. Daisy's relationship with Donald Duck is one of the most iconic romantic partnerships in Disney's extensive history. Their on-screen chemistry and comedic interactions have endeared them to audiences for generations.

Daisy has spent eight decades in the public eye as a superstar. Her enduring popularity has made her recognizable to audiences of all ages.

Despite her relationship with Donald, she remains a feminist. Often being depicted as an independent and strong-willed female, breaking away from traditional gender roles. She challenges gender stereotypes, often taking charge and demonstrating confidence. Her characteristics has helped progress the representation of women in Disney and has inspired young girls worldwide.