Betty Boop, animated by "It Girl", turns 90 on August 9th!
On August 9, an international celebration of the beloved boop-oop-a-dooping star Betty Boop will kick off with a series of tributes to the cartoon icon, in honor of the 90th anniversary of his big screen debut. One of the most popular characters in animation, Betty Boop is adored by fans of all ages, considered a style icon, a trendsetter and a symbol of female empowerment.
The owner of the character, Fleischer Studiosand licensing agent Characteristics of the king, are planning many ways to toast this delightfully cheeky cartoon in August and throughout the rest of 2020, from social media campaigns and online cartoon screenings to a number of major brand collaborations.
Betty Boop got her break on August 9, 1930 in the Fleischer Studios cartoon Dizzy dishes - although his modern fans will hardly recognize the singing and dancing siren that Max Fleischer created as a possible love interest for his half dog, half human star, Bimbo. As Betty gained a full-fledged following, her spaniel appearance transformed into a babydoll face and her long floppy dog ears became her signature hoop earrings. (She later had her puppy, Pudgy, introduced in 1934 Little Pal by Betty Boop.)
The character's exalted appearance and childhood voice playing style were inspired by great singers and actresses of the 20s jazz age, most notably Helen Kane, "Baby Esther" Jones, Gertrude Saunders, Bessie Smith and Ethel Merman. While many talented women have given their lives over the years, Betty Boop's signature voice actor was Mae Questel, who also spoke for Fleischer's Olive Oyl and Famous Studios' Little Audrey. Echoing the growing independence gained by women after the Great War, Fleischer Studios was the first major store to hire a female animator: Lillian Friedman, whose work is featured in Pudgy and the Lost Kitten (1938)
"One of the most important dynamics that today's culture shares with the pre-Depression flapper era is that they are both cultures that were / are emerging from repression, especially for women. I think this line is one of the main reasons why Betty Boop continues to resonate through the ages despite the constant changes around her, "said Fleischer Studios president Mark Fleischer (Max's nephew). Animation magazine.
For nine decades, Betty Boop has sung and broken the rules and conventions of the past, taking risks and creating trends with wit and charm like a true influencer. As the first female cartoon star, she has been dubbed the "Queen of Cartoons" and her ability to connect with people has lasted for over 90 years. Betty's passion, positivity and tenacity continue to inspire her fans around the world.
When asked what primetime animation creators today could learn from Betty's enduring success, Mark Fleischer noted, "Being surreal is often much more satisfying, uplifting and fun than being graphically realistic."
Brand partner all over the world have joined King Features and Fleischer Studios with collaborations in apparel, accessories, beauty products, collectibles and many more to celebrate the global icon's major milestone. Recent collaborations have included Nike, a beauty line from IPSY, watches from Invicta, collectibles from MBI, Inc., and collectible vinyl figures from Funko.
A new book, Betty Boop's Guide to a Bold and Balanced Life - Fun, fierce and fabulous tips inspired by the animated icon (Skyhorse Publishing) was released in January to kick off its 90th year. Written by empowerment advocates Susan Wilking Horan and Kristi Ling Spencer, the book features a foreword by designer Zac Posen and offers readers a glimpse into Betty's rich history while providing timely and timeless suggestions on topics ranging from love to health to self-enhancement.
Furthermore, in Betty Boop Broadway musical is currently under development. In a recent special, PBS gave fans a look at the upcoming theatrical production when the show's composer, David Foster, previewed one of the songs he wrote for the show (see pbs.org). Foster and his wife, performer Katherine McPhee, also recently performed a song from the musical titled "Something to Shout About" on the Show today.
Betty Boop 90th anniversary celebration, themed "Forever Fabulous" will continue throughout August and the rest of the year, and fans can expect to see a wide range of new collaborations and events online.
Further information and updates on Betty Boop's 90th anniversary are available on www.bettyboop.com and on her social channels.
