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…
