Walter Elias Disney
- Born:
- December 5, 1901, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Died:
- December 15, 1966, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Animator, Film Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Entrepreneur, Voice Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to Elias Disney and Flora Call Disney.
- Spent early childhood in Marceline, Missouri, where he developed a love for drawing and rural life.
- Family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1911.
- Took drawing classes at the Kansas City Art Institute and McKinley High School.
- During World War I, attempted to enlist in the army at 16 but was rejected; instead, he joined the Red Cross and served in France driving an ambulance.
- These formative experiences deeply impacted Walter Elias Disney, helping to shape his creative vision later in life. The story of walt disney's life as a child illustrates these impacts.
Career and Major Achievements
- Co-founded Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City, producing short animated cartoons.
- Moved to Hollywood in 1923 and co-founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio with his brother Roy.
- Created the character Mickey Mouse in 1928, which became a global icon.
- Produced the first full-length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).
- Founded Disneyland in 1955, revolutionizing the amusement park industry.
Notable Works
Animated Feature Films
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1937 | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs |
| 1940 | Pinocchio |
| 1940 | Fantasia |
| 1941 | Dumbo |
| 1942 | Bambi |
| 1950 | Cinderella |
| 1953 | Peter Pan |
| 1959 | Sleeping Beauty |
| 1961 | One Hundred and One Dalmatians |
| 1963 | The Sword in the Stone |
| 1967 | The Jungle Book |
Theme Parks
- Disneyland (Anaheim, California)
- Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida) - project initiated before his death
Legacy and Impact
- Revolutionized the animation industry.
- Pioneered family-friendly entertainment.
- Created iconic characters and stories that have resonated with generations.
- Transformed the amusement park industry with the creation of Disneyland.
- Won numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards.
Walter Elias Disney's legacy is defined by his innovations in animation, his contributions to family entertainment, and the creation of beloved characters and experiences that continue to inspire and delight audiences worldwide.