In 1926, Felix became the first high school mascot for the Logansport, Indiana, Berries.īy the late 1920s, with the arrival of sound cartoons, Felix's success was fading. Jazz bands such as Paul Whiteman's played songs about him (1923's 'Felix Kept on Walking' and others). Several manufacturers made stuffed Felix toys. Aside from the animated shorts, Felix starred in a comic strip (drawn by Sullivan, Messmer and later Joe Oriolo) beginning in 1923, and his image soon adorned merchandise such as ceramics, toys and postcards. What is certain is that Felix emerged from Sullivan's studio, and cartoons featuring the character became well known in popular culture. Either Sullivan himself or his lead animator, American Otto Messmer, created the character. įelix originated from the studio of Australian cartoonist- film entrepreneur Pat Sullivan.
Felix was the first fully realized animal character in the history of American film animation. An anthropomorphic young black cat with white eyes, a black body, and a giant grin, he is often considered one of the most recognized cartoon characters in film history. (named Kitty White or Marie in the first 3 years of the silent cartoons)įelix the Cat is a cartoon character created in 1919 by Pat Sullivan and Otto Messmer during the silent film era. The Adventures of Felix (1919) (as Felix)
