Mickey is, by far, The Walt Disney Company's most famous character and serves as the company's mascot.
Fancifully estimated as standing 2 ft. 3 in. (69 cm) and weighing 23 pounds (10 kg), Mickey rapidly rose to the pinnacle of American culture, being more widely recognized overseas than any other American icon but the U.S. flag.
For over 80 years, he has signified The Walt Disney Company, animation, goodwill, fun, laughter, and most of all Walt Disney himself. It was said by Lilian Disney, his wife, that over the years, Mickey and Walt grew together and were mirrors of each other's personality. They both started off mischievous and cheeky, but as they grew older preferred to step out of the spotlight and observe others work their magic. Mickey Mouse is a natural-born hero. He is enthusiastic and expressive and has an optimistic outlook on life. Mickey is fun, silly and mischievous and even crosses the line…sometimes. He often finds himself in adventurous situations where his ingenuity and unfailing resourcefulness have rescued him from many a tight spot. Clever and determined, Mickey Mouse is the little underdog whose bravery and bold spirit always put him on top. And best of all…he loves to have a laugh.
President Jimmy Carter once said; "Mickey Mouse is the symbol of goodwill, surpassing all languages and cultures. When one sees Mickey Mouse, they see happiness".
Mickey's 3-circle silhouette serves as the logo for most of Disney's subsidiaries, save for the ones that don't carry the 'Disney' or 'Walt Disney' label. Andy Warhol's portrait The Art of Mickey Mouse used Warhol's famous pop art techniques on the classic mouse. Mickey is often cited as the world's most famous cartoon character of all time.