Do You Know About Huey, Dewey, and Louie?
In 2016, an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW guest claimed that a classic Disney character was named after her grandfather. Now, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW wants to hear from you — do you know the inspiration behind the names for Huey, Dewey and Louie?
Aug 26, 2025
Originally published on: Aug 26, 2025
BY Erin Mosier
During ANTIQUES ROADSHOW’s July 2016 visit to Virginia Beach, VA, a guest named Deborah brought in an original animation cel gifted by Walt Disney himself. The cel, an image from Disney’s first full-length feature Snow White, was signed, “Best wishes always to Louise Dewey.” According to Deborah, her grandparents Hartley and Louise Dewey were friends with Walt and Lillian Disney, having met on a cruise in the early 1930s.
Toys & Games appraiser Noel Barrett called the item “absolutely fantastic” and gave the signed cel an auction estimate of $8,000 to $12,000.
Although it is widely believed that Dewey Duck was named after the then-governor of New York, Thomas Edmund Dewey, Deborah claims that the character was actually named after her grandfather, who was often called Dewey.
Roadshow is wondering what you know! Do you think our guest is right? Do you have any more information on who the real Huey, Dewey, and Louie are? Send us an email and let us know your thoughts at antiques_roadshow@wgnh.org!
Erin Mosier is a former intern for ANTIQUES ROADSHOW.
