Bird Flu in Florida (Orlando) The dreaded H5N1 bird flu has apparently claimed its first celebrity victim. Disney spokesperson, Allyson Wanda Land, confirmed in an early morning news conference in Orlando that Donald Duck, legendary Disney performer, died in an Orlando hospital of acute respiratory problems late last night. Although the cause of his death has yet to be confirmed by the Center for Disease Control, all indications are that the veteran actor succumbed to the H5N1 virus. Tissue samples have been sent to the CDC in Atlanta for verification.
Sources associated with Disney World report that Donald Duck collapsed backstage 6 days ago between performances at the local theme park. He was immediately taken to his home in Summerport Beach but was later transferred to intensive care quarantine unit at Winter Garden Veterinary Clinic where his condition steadily worsened.
Born “Saul Mecklin” in Bayonne, New Jersey in 1931, the famous duck actor moved to Las Vegas in 1949 where he landed jobs as an entertainer in local hotels. His dry self-deprecating humor won over the late Walt Disney who happened to see one of Donald’s Las Vegas hotel performances. Donald signed a contract with Disney in 1954 and subsequently enjoyed a long, successful career both in films and on stage.
While more widely remembered for his portrayal of the irascible sailor-suited duck in Disney cartoons, Donald showed his acting prowess in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions. He won a Tony award in 1971 for his stirring portrayal of the legendary World War II general in the Broadway musical version of Patton.
Never married, Donald was often reputed to be gay, though he never came out. Rumors of his gay predilections often swirled around him as he was occasionally spotted frequenting gay clubs in South Florida and in southern California where Donald also maintained a residence.
Daisy Duck, Donald’s co-star, close friend and on-screen wife, issued a statement characterizing Donald as a caring and sensitive duck whose passing would be deeply felt by his fans around the world.
Donald is survived by his nephews Huey and Louie. His third nephew, Dewey, died in Torrance, California in 1994 of health complications attributable to a long history of crack cocaine abuse.
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