Top 5 moments: Bugs Bunny turns 75

Published 8:05 pm Monday, July 27, 2015

You know his name and you even know his catchphrase. But can you believe that pop culture’s favorite bunny with the colorful personality is a well-seasoned septuagenarian?

Though versions of Bugs Bunny appeared in several Warner Bros. cartoons during the 1930s and early 1940s, the iconic rabbit we’ve come to know and love didn’t appear and utter that familiar “What’s up, Doc?” until the Tex Avery-directed “Wild Hare” premiered on July 27, 1940 and made him a household name.

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While there won’t be a huge celebration or fanfare boasting his 75th birthday, individuals both young and old should still take a moment and simply think about their favorite Bugs Bunny moments.

Whether he was facing the not-so-deft hunter Elmer Fudd, gallivanting through space as Duck Dodgers or debating whether it was rabbit season or duck season with Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny’s made quite the animated impression on minds and hearts worldwide for decades.

In honor of Bugs Bunny’s 75th birthday, here are a few of our favorite Bugs Bunny moments. You may wanna grab a piece of carrot cake and settle in for these.

 1. “Wild Hare”: Considered Bugs Bunny’s inaugural cartoon appearance, the clever rabbit gives Elmer Fudd a run for his money…and one heck of a headache.

 2. “A Hare Grown In Manhattan”: Following his success, “Bugsy” offers an account of his humble beginnings in Manhattan, complete with a tale of his being bullied in “young rabbithood.” Trust us – if the singing doesn’t get you, the dancing will.

3. “Rabbit of Seville”: A comical take on the popular opera “The Barber of Seville” packed with costume changes and theatrical antics, Bugs is reunited with Elmer Fudd, giving both an opportunity to showcase their singing chops. Classic, artful Bunny and Fudd.

4. “Bunny Hugged”: A true jack of all trades, carrot-eating mascot Bugs brings his wrestling prowess (or the lack thereof) into the ring as “The Masked Terror” to defeat a massively muscled opponent called “The Crusher” after “Ravishing Ronald” is turned into a punching bag. We’re pretty sure this is better than anything WWE could offer in comparison.

5. “Rabbit Fire”: Possibly one of the most memorable unions featuring both Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, the two spend their time trying to outsmart a determined, yet thoroughly confused Fudd in the forest. Is it rabbit season or duck season? The world may never know.