What extremely popular Disney character, father of three children, was introduced in 1936 in the cartoon "Orphans' Benefit"?

This famously temperamental duck made a memorable appearance in the cartoon "Orphans' Benefit," where he attempted to recite nursery rhymes to a group of mischievous orphans. While the original black-and-white version of this short was released in 1934, it was remade in Technicolor in 1941. This cartoon is notable as it was the first time Donald appeared alongside Mickey Mouse and was the first to truly establish his iconic personality, including his showmanship, belligerence, and, most famously, his easily provoked temper. The short was a turning point for Disney, showcasing how personality could be conveyed through character animation.

The character is well-known as the parental figure to three young boys. However, he is technically not their father but rather their uncle and legal guardian. His three identical triplet nephews are named Huey, Dewey, and Louie. They are the sons of his sister, Della Duck, and were initially sent to stay with him temporarily. Over time, they became a permanent part of his household, and their adventures together are a central theme in many comics and animated series.

Although his official screen debut was a couple of months earlier in the 1934 Silly Symphonies cartoon "The Wise Little Hen," "Orphans' Benefit" was the first story developed to feature his character. It was in this short that animators and audiences were truly introduced to the personality that would make him a global superstar. His hilarious, tantrum-filled performance, where he is tormented by the orphans, set the stage for the comedic formula that would define his career for decades.