How Bugs Bunny And Clark Gable Created The False Belief That Rabbits Like Eating Carrots
Two famous Hollywood figures are responsible for a myth that many people still believe to this day
Bugs Bunny is one of the most iconic cartoon characters ever. His quick thinking and omnipresent chomping on carrots, along with catch phrases like “What’s up, Doc,” made him a widely recognized figure that has transcended generations. While his creation may have been born out of imagination, at least one part of him was a direct influence of Hollywood legend Clark Gable — his carrot eating.
Bugs Bunny was the brainchild of Leon Schlesinger Productions (later becoming Warner Bros. Cartoons), first appearing in the late 1930s. Originally voiced by Mel Blanc, the wisecracking and sharp witted rabbit has entertained audiences ever since then. Even as long ago as 1992, when such information was available, the character was responsible for bringing in $8–10 million in revenue annually — including merchandise, television and film and other uses of his likeness.
Most people believe that rabbits eat carrots. The two are often paired together in popular culture. However, the fluffy animals don’t naturally consume root vegetables in the wild. In captivity, carrots are not even considered good for them because of the high sugar content and other reasons that make them a possible detriment to their health. It turns out that Bugs Bunny and his constant nibbling on carrots is largely responsible for that false belief, but the cartoon character was in turn inspired by Hollywood actor Clark Gable, best known for portraying Rhett Butler in the sweeping classic movie Gone With the Wind.
The rascally Bugs Bunny and the way he eats carrots like pushing lumber through a buzz saw was actually inspired by the 1934 classic film, It Happened One Night. In that movie there is a scene where Gable, who played the fast-talking lead, Peter Warne, leans against a fence and gives a rapid dialogue about his talent for hitchhiking; all the while simultaneously eating carrots and talking with his mouth full.
The Gable film was one of the most popular movies of its time, and when Bugs Bunny was later unveiled with similar characteristics, especially the carrot eating, it resonated with viewers Many were immediately able to connect the satirical homage back to the real life actor when the bunny first appeared in the 1940 short A Wild Hare.
There were also other connections from It Happened One Night to Bugs Bunny. The cartoon rabbit’s name was based on another character from the film; an imaginary person named Bugs Dooley who was made up by Gable’s Warne to frighten someone. Additionally, the classic “What’s up, Doc,” appeared in the movie.
Gable’s performance as Warne can be truly considered to be iconic. In addition to the inspiration it provided Bugs Bunny, the actor also won an Oscar for the role. Meanwhile, Bugs Bunny has also done very well for himself. He has appeared in more films than any other animated character and is currently the ninth-most portrayed film personality of all time. Naturally, both Gable and Bugs have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Sometimes we are certain in our belief of something. However, not everything is always what we know to be true. In the case of rabbits and their enjoyment of carrots, we can thank two unlikely sources in Clark Gable and Bugs Bunny for helping to perpetuate a myth that has become a nearly universal truth over the years that as it turns out is actually false.
How Bugs Bunny And Clark Gable Created The False Belief That Rabbits Like Eating Carrots | by Andrew Martin | Mediumhttps://historianandrew.medium.com/how-bugs-bunny-and-clark-gable-created-false-belief-that-rabbits-like-eating-carrots-65d25059b7d0