Paul Petersen Explains Why He Was Discharged from The Mickey Mouse Club

In a revealing interview, Paul Petersen, an original member of The Mickey Mouse Club, shared the story behind his unexpected departure from the iconic show. Petersen, now 79, recalled how he and his fellow Mouseketeers were introduced to the public by Walt Disney during the grand opening of Disneyland in 1955. Despite the excitement of being part of the show, Petersen’s time as a Mouseketeer was notably short-lived.

Reflecting on his casting, Petersen noted that out of 5,000 boys who auditioned, only 16 made the cut. “It was a huge family,” he expressed, describing the bond he formed with his co-stars. The long days on set were filled with schoolwork and rehearsals, turning the experience into a delightful mix of fun and learning. At just 9 years old, Petersen earned $260 per week for his role, but his journey took an unexpected turn.

Petersen candidly admitted that his childhood performance habits showcased a lack of discipline. He also felt self-conscious about his height compared to his peers. A moment of tension escalated when a casting director began calling him “Mouse,” a nickname he detested. After an altercation in which Petersen stood up for himself, he was dismissed from the show over the phone by Disney himself.

The news shook him to his core. “I thought I’d have to give my bike back,” he recalled, but not all was lost. Petersen went on to enjoy a successful acting career, landing the role of Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show. His contributions extended beyond acting; he founded A Minor Consideration in the 1990s to advocate for child performers, offering support and guidance to young talents navigating the industry today.

Petersen continues to cherish the lifelong friendships formed during his time on The Mickey Mouse Club. “Seventy years later, the bonds we created still endure,” he stated, emphasizing how the experiences of fame have equipped them to mentor the new generation of Mouseketeers. This narrative not only highlights Petersen’s personal journey but also showcases the lasting impact of the early days of television on child actors and their growth into adulthood.