Mickey Mouse celebrates his 80th birthday at the Tokyo Disneyland in Japan, November 18, 2008. [Xinhuanet]

The world's most famous rodent, Mickey Mouse, celebrated his 80th birthday on Tuesday. The iconic mouse's look has evolved through the years, but Mickey is still the enduring symbol of the Disney brand.

Mickey first appeared on the silver screen in 1928's "Steamboat Willie", where his profile and personality were a lot more rat-like than the lovable mouse of today.

In the following years, Mickey stayed busy, starring in feature films and on television, enjoying a cult following through the Mickey Mouse Club and overseeing the development of the Disney brand. He also had a long-running romance with Minnie.

Walt Disney created Mickey during a difficult time, when he was the head of a small, struggling studio.

The enduring success of the little mouse changed all that and made Walt Disney a household name.

(CCTV November 19, 2008)