Walt Disney (1901–1966) was an American animator, filmmaker, and visionary entrepreneur best known for co-founding The Walt Disney Company. He revolutionized animation with the creation of Mickey Mouse and produced the first synchronized sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie. A pioneer in family entertainment, Disney won a record 22 Academy Awards and introduced the world’s first major theme park, Disneyland, in 1955. He also conceptualized Walt Disney World, which opened after his death. His storytelling, innovation, and imagination transformed popular culture, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations through films, characters, and immersive theme park experiences worldwide.
Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Walter Elias Disney |
| Born | December 5, 1901 – Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Died | December 15, 1966 – Burbank, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 65 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Animator, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, Voice Actor |
| Famous For | Co-founding The Walt Disney Company; Creating Mickey Mouse |
| Co-founder Of | The Walt Disney Company (founded as Disney Brothers Studio in 1923) |
| Notable Creations | Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Disney Princesses |
| First Sound Cartoon | Steamboat Willie (1928) |
| Academy Awards | 22 Oscars (Most awarded individual in Oscar history) |
| Theme Parks Founded | Disneyland (1955), conceptualized Walt Disney World (opened posthumously) |
| Spouse | Lillian Bounds Disney (married in 1925) |
| Children | 2 daughters – Diane and Sharon Disney |
| Siblings | Roy O. Disney (brother and business partner), and three others |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated $1 billion (adjusted for inflation) |
| Religion | Christian (Congregationalist) |
| Burial Place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California |
| Known For Innovations | Technicolor animation, synchronized sound cartoons, theme park concept |
| Legacy Company | The Walt Disney Company (market cap over $150 billion as of 2025) |
| Cause of Death | Lung cancer |
Early Life and Education
- Walt Disney was interested in art and took his lessons at the Kansas City Institute, and then Chicago Art Institute.
- When he was in school, he drew cartoons for his school magazine.
- During the First World War, he tried to enlist in the army and dropped out of school.
- However, he was rejected for being underage.
- He then joined the Red Cross and in 1918, Walt Disney went to France to drive an ambulance.
- In 1919, he came back to Kansas City Film Ad Company where he gained the opportunity to work in the relatively new field of animation.
- Using his talent, Walt started his work as a cartoonist.
Walt Disney Career
- Disney’s success enabled him to set up his own studio called Laugh-O-Gram.
- However, his firm could not match the ability to run a profitable business.
- Due to the high labor costs, his firm went bankrupt.
- After his first failure, he decided to move to Hollywood, California — home to the growing film industry in America.
- The ability to overcome such adversity became a standard feature of his career.
Walt Disney’s Death and Legacy
- Walt Disney died on 15 December 1966 from lung cancer.
- His theme parks have become a popular tourist destination that is enjoyed by millions of people every year.
Walt Disney – Interesting Facts
- In 2013, Tom Hanks played the role of Walt Disney in the movie Saving Mr. Banks.
- Originally, Mickey Mouse’s name was decided to be Mortimer, but Walt’s wife didn’t like the name and suggested Mickey instead.
- The robot from Wall-E was named after Walter Elias Disney.
- In 2015, “Walt before Mickey” movie Based on the early life of Walt Disney was released.
Legacy of Disneyland
- It was Walt’s idea to open Disneyland, a theme park with rides and entertainment based on his movies.
- Disneyland opened in 1955, with a total cost of $ 17 million.
- The park became a huge success, and even today it is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.
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