09/06/2025
Felix the Cat was created in 1919 and is widely considered the world's first animated film star. The character was developed by animator Otto Messmer for Australian-born producer Pat Sullivan's New York studio during the silent film era. Known for his giant grin and surreal antics, Felix's popularity faded with the introduction of sound films in the late 1920s but has been revived numerous times for television and other media.
Origin and creation
The creators: The character's origin is a subject of historical debate. For decades, studio owner Pat Sullivan took full credit for Felix. However, after Sullivan's death, former employees testified that lead animator Otto Messmer was the true creative force behind the character's design and unique personality.
Early inspirations: Messmer's design for Felix was influenced by the movements of Charlie Chaplin and the aesthetics of minstrel shows.
Name change: Felix first appeared under the name "Master Tom" in the 1919 animated short Feline Follies. He was given the name "Felix" (from the Latin words for "cat" and "luck") for his third appearance, The Adventures of Felix, released in December 1919.
Merchandising pioneer: Felix was the first character to be licensed and mass-merchandised, appearing on toys, clocks, and other products throughout the 1920s.
Important dates
November 9, 1919: The first-ever Felix cartoon, Feline Follies, is released, featuring "Master Tom".
1923: At the height of his popularity, Felix stars in the cartoon Felix in Hollywood, meeting celebrity caricatures like Charlie Chaplin.
August 19, 1923: The Felix the Cat syndicated comic strip debuts.
1929: In an unsuccessful attempt to keep pace with talking pictures, Pat Sullivan releases his first sound Felix cartoons. The move proves disastrous.
1958: After acquiring the rights, Joe Oriolo redesigns Felix for a new television series. He introduces the "Magic Bag of Tricks" and archenemy "The Professor".
1983: Otto Messmer passes away. His former assistant Joe Oriolo ensures that Messmer finally receives credit for his creation.
2014: DreamWorks Animation acquires the rights to the Felix the Cat character.
November 9, 2019: Universal Pictures celebrates Felix the Cat's 100th anniversary by declaring it "Felix the Cat Day" and releasing new merchandise.
November 7, 2023: A new graphic novel, Felix the Cat, is released by Rocketship Entertainment.
Felix the Cat - An Abbreviated HistoryFelix The Cat Comic CollectorHey y’all! This was a bit of a bigger project for me, but I wanted to put together an abbr...
