One of America’s most beloved cartoon characters hopped onto movie screens for the first time on July 27, 1940, when Bugs Bunny made his official debut in Warner Bros.’ animated short A Wild Hare.

Although earlier rabbit characters had appeared in previous cartoons, A Wild Hare introduced the Bugs Bunny audiences know today. The cartoon featured his laid-back personality, clever sense of humor, and the famous catchphrase, “What’s up, Doc?”—a line that would become one of the most recognizable in entertainment history.

Created during animation’s Golden Age, Bugs quickly became the star of dozens of Warner Bros. cartoons. His quick wit often helped him outsmart colorful rivals such as Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian, and the Tasmanian Devil.

Unlike many cartoon heroes, Bugs rarely looked for trouble. Instead, he usually found himself in humorous situations where he relied on intelligence, confidence, and a little mischief to come out on top.

Over the decades, Bugs Bunny has appeared in hundreds of cartoons, television specials, comic books, movies, and video games. He has become one of the most recognizable animated characters in the world and serves as the official mascot of Warner Bros.

More than 85 years after his debut, Bugs Bunny continues to entertain audiences of all ages, proving that great characters—and a good carrot—never go out of style.