Entertainment • Animation

Bugs Bunny

Bugs Bunny is an animated cartoon character created at Warner Bros.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bugs Bunny is an animated cartoon character created at Warner Bros. in the late 1930s and formally introduced in 1940. He is a wisecracking anthropomorphic rabbit known for outsmarting opponents, his Brooklyn-accented delivery, and the catchphrase “What’s up, Doc?” The character has become one of the most recognizable figures from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series.

Origins

An early version of the character appeared in Porky's Hare Hunt (1938), and the definitive Bugs Bunny character debuted in A Wild Hare (1940). Sources attribute his development to multiple Warner Bros. animation figures, including Ben Hardaway, Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Bob Givens, and Robert McKimson.

Characterization

Bugs Bunny is portrayed as an anthropomorphic rabbit or hare with a flippant, confident personality. He is typically a trickster who outwits adversaries and is strongly associated with his signature line, “What’s up, Doc?”

Cultural impact

Bugs Bunny became one of the most popular cartoon characters of the golden age of American animation. He is widely described as an American cultural icon and has served as an official Warner Bros. mascot.

Appearances and legacy

The character is most closely associated with the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies theatrical shorts released by Warner Bros. Pictures. His popularity led to a long-lasting presence across animation, merchandising, and popular culture.

Key facts

Bugs Bunny originated in Warner Bros. animated shorts in the late 1930s and became fully established in A Wild Hare (1940).
He is one of the most recognizable characters from Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies.
The character is known for a calm, clever personality and for defeating rivals through wit rather than force.
His most famous opponents include Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam.
Bugs Bunny was voiced originally by Mel Blanc.

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Canadian context

Bugs Bunny has long been widely broadcast and recognized in Canada through Looney Tunes television, home-video, and merchandising releases, making him familiar to multiple generations of Canadian viewers.

Frequently asked questions

Who created Bugs Bunny?

Bugs Bunny was developed by several Warner Bros. animation creators, including Ben Hardaway, Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Bob Givens, and Robert McKimson.

When did Bugs Bunny first appear?

An early version appeared in Porky's Hare Hunt (1938), while the definitive Bugs Bunny debuted in A Wild Hare (1940).

What is Bugs Bunny’s catchphrase?

His best-known catchphrase is “Eh... What’s up, Doc?”

What kind of character is Bugs Bunny?

He is an anthropomorphic rabbit or hare who is clever, sarcastic, and known for tricking opponents.

Who originally voiced Bugs Bunny?

The character was originally voiced by Mel Blanc.

Why is Bugs Bunny famous?

He became one of the signature stars of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies and is widely regarded as a major icon of American animation.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugs_Bunny
Supports: Origin, first appearances, voice actor, characterization, catchphrase, and cultural status.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bugs-Bunny
Supports: Bugs Bunny as a Warner Bros. cartoon rabbit and major figure of the golden age of American animation.
Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/culture-magazines/bugs-bunny
Supports: Popularity, catchphrase, and broad cultural recognition.
Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugs_Bunny
Supports: Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies association and popularity of the catchphrase.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_of_Bugs_Bunny
Supports: Development history, early versions, and debut chronology.