Which character is widely recognized as the first animated movie star?

The character widely recognized as the first animated movie star is Felix the Cat. Created in the silent film era during the 1910s, Felix became a cultural icon and one of the earliest animated characters to gain popularity in motion pictures. His unique design, playful personality, and ability to interact with various situations showcased the potential of animation as a storytelling medium.

Mickey Mouse, although extremely influential and often considered the face of Disney, made his debut later in the 1920s and is a significant figure in the evolution of animation, but he was not the very first animated star. Other characters like Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny followed Felix and Mickey, contributing to the rich history of animation but not establishing the pioneering status held by Felix the Cat.