Bugs Bunny Basic Information

Bugs Bunny in classic Looney Tunes style

Bugs Bunny as depicted in Warner Bros. Looney Tunes

Also known as:
WabbitHappy Rabbit (early prototype name)

Creation Info

First Appearance

July 27, 1940 (Official debut in 'A Wild Hare')

Creator

Tex Avery (refined character), Ben 'Bugs' Hardaway (name origin/early versions), Robert McKimson, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng, Bob Givens (design)

Series

Looney Tunes / Merrie Melodies

Copyright

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Identity

Species

Rabbit / Hare (anthropomorphic)

Gender

Male

Age

Ageless (debuted 1940)

Birthday

July 27

Occupation

Trickster, Actor, Cultural Icon

Bugs Bunny's Appearance

Physical Features

Height

Tall (for a rabbit)

Body Type

Lanky

Color Scheme

Gray and white fur, pink ears/nose

Signature Style

Outfit

Usually none (sometimes wears disguises or costumes)

Catchphrase

Eh... What's up, doc?

Accessories

Carrot (often seen eating one)

Character Background

Origin Story

Evolved from earlier rabbit characters in Warner Bros. shorts (starting 1938). Officially debuted with his distinct personality, voice, and catchphrase in Tex Avery's 1940 short 'A Wild Hare'.

Character Timeline

1940

Official Debut

Appeared as the character known today in 'A Wild Hare', establishing his catchphrase and personality.

1958

Academy Award

Starred in 'Knighty Knight Bugs', which won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.

1985

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1988

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Appeared alongside Mickey Mouse in the landmark film.

1996

Space Jam

Starred alongside Michael Jordan in the live-action/animated hit.

2002

TV Guide's Greatest

Named the #1 greatest cartoon character of all time by TV Guide.

Bugs Bunny's Personality

Personality Traits

  • Clever / Shrewd
  • Calm / Cool-headed
  • Witty / Quick-witted
  • Confident / Self-assured
  • Mischievous / Prankster
  • Resourceful
  • Nonchalant / Insouciant
  • Charismatic

Strengths

  • Intelligence / Strategic Thinking
  • Adaptability
  • Master of Disguise
  • Psychological Warfare
  • Remains calm under pressure

Weaknesses

  • Can be arrogant
  • Sometimes overconfident
  • (Rarely) Can be tricked by genuine kindness or innocence

Goals

  • To be left in peace
  • To outsmart antagonists
  • To enjoy life (and carrots)

Fears

  • Rarely shows fear, usually feigns it as part of a trick.

Bugs Bunny's Gallery

Bugs Bunny's Abilities

Special Powers

  • Cartoon Physics Manipulation (Tunnel painting, gravity defiance, etc.)
  • Breaking the Fourth Wall
  • Near-Invulnerability (can survive cartoon violence)

Skills

  • Master of Disguise
  • Exceptional Wit and Strategy
  • Psychological Manipulation
  • Tunneling/Burrowing at high speed
  • Acting/Impersonation

Bugs Bunny's Relationships

Friends

Lola Bunny
Girlfriend (later iterations)
Porky Pig
Friend/Associate
Michael Jordan
Teammate (Space Jam)

Awards & Recognition

  • Academy Award for 'Knighty Knight Bugs' (1958)
  • Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (1985)

Cultural Influence

Pop Culture Impact

An American cultural icon and the official mascot of Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny is one of the most recognizable and beloved cartoon characters globally. His catchphrase 'What's up, doc?' is universally known. He has appeared in more films than any other cartoon character.

Social Impact

Bugs represents the clever underdog who uses wit to overcome brute force. His nonchalant coolness and quick thinking have made him an enduring symbol of American animation's golden age.

Video Content

Featured Videos

Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies shorts
The Bugs Bunny Show
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Space Jam
Looney Tunes: Back in Action
Space Jam: A New Legacy
Looney Tunes Cartoons (HBO Max/Max)