From humble beginnings to global recognition, Walt Disney’s journey is a testament to the power of imagination, creativity, and perseverance. Disney’s impact on entertainment, animation, and storytelling is unparalleled. This biography delves into the life of the man behind the magic, tracing his path from a young dreamer to the founder of one of the world’s most beloved and influential entertainment companies.
Early Years: A Childhood of Imagination
Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901 at Illionis, Chicago, United states. His father Elias Disney (an Irish –Canadian decent) was a carpenter, farmer and a building contractor. His mother was Flora Call (a German-American decent) was a public school teacher. Walt was the fourth child of them. He had four brothers (Herbert, Reymond and Roy) and a sister (Ruth).
In 1906 Elias Disney moved to Marceline, Missouri with his family, where his brother Robert purchased a land. In 1909, Walt began his schooling at Park School in Marceline. From childhood he was passionate about drawing and painting. At that time he was practiced drawing by coping the cartoons of Ryan Walker, which was published in the new paper ‘Appeal to Reason’. When he was seven years old, he sold his painting to his neighbours.
In 1910 , Disney family Merceline to Kansas City for illness of Elias. Here Elias bought a morning news paper route (Kansas City Star and Kansas City Times). Walt and his brother Roy were helped his father to delivered the newspapers. At that time they daily wake up at 3.30 AM. In 1911 Walt studied at Benton Grammer School. He also learned drawing in a correspondence school and later he studied in Kansas City Art Institute and School of Design.
In 1917, Elias bought stock of O-Zell Company, a jelly producer of Chicago and moved back to Chicago to his family. Here Disney studied to Mckinley High School. He worked as a cartoonist in school magazine. He took night courses in Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.
In 1918, he tried to join the US Army to fight World War 1. But he was just 16 at that time, so he was rejected. Then he joined Red Cross as an ambulance driver in France and Germany.
Journey from Kansas City to Hollywood
In 1919, walt returned to Kansas City and found a part time job as a draftsman and inker in Pesmen- Rubin, a commercial art studio. Here he met Ub Iwerke( an artist), who helped walt to achive his primary success.
In 1922, walt and Ub Iwerke started their own studio Laugh-O-gram with a second hand movie camera. They started to make 1 -2 minutes animated advertising films and distributed to the local theatres. They also made a series of animated cartoons, Alice and the Wonderland was most important. They bankrupted in 1923.
In 1923,Walt moved to Hollywood to became a director. he took a leap of faith and co-founded the Disney Brothers Studio with his brother Roy. Their first major success came with the creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit(September 5, 1927), a character that captured the hearts of audiences nationwide. However, a contractual dispute led to the loss of Oswald and served as a turning point in Disney’s career.( In 2006 Disney CEO Bob Iger got back the rights to Oswald.)
In 13th July 1925, walt married Lillian Bounds, an ink artist of Disney studio. They had two children Diane Disney and Sharon Mae Disney.
In 1928, Walt Disney, then struggling to find success in animation, conceived the idea of a cheerful mouse character while on a train ride. He named this character Mortimer Mouse, but later changed it to Mickey Mouse, influenced by his wife Lillian. With the help of Ub Iwerks, Disney brought Mickey to life in the animated short film “Steamboat Willie,” which premiered on November 18, 1928. Walt gave the voice of Mickey ( 1929-1947). Mickey’s cheerful personality, expressive animation, and catchy theme song endeared him to audiences worldwide, quickly propelling him to stardom. Since then, Mickey Mouse has become the symbol of The Walt Disney Company and a cherished icon in popular culture, inspiring generations of fans with his timeless adventures and optimistic spirit.
In 1932, walt produced the first ever full color cartoon “Flowers and Trees”. In 1934, he made another character Donald Duck. In 1937, he made the first featured length cartoon ”Snow white and the Seven dwarfs”. The first Disney Princess. In 1938 he bought a house in North Holliwood for his parents. In 1949 Walt moved to Holmby Hills district of Los Angeles with his family. He was a politically active person also. Initially he was a supporter of Democratic Party, but after 1940’s presidential election he became a strong supporter of Republican party.
The Creation of Disneyland:
Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland stemmed from his desire to create a place where families could enjoy quality time together in a fantastical setting. Inspired by his visits to amusement parks with his daughters, he envisioned a theme park that combined elements of storytelling, imagination, and entertainment. Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, opened its gates on July 17, 1955, offering visitors a chance to step into the worlds of Disney films and characters. It featured various themed lands, such as Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Frontierland, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Disneyland’s success paved the way for the creation of other Disney theme parks worldwide.
The Inception of Walt Disney World:
Walt Disney’s dream extended beyond the confines of Disneyland, leading to the development of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Inspired by the vast land available in Florida, Disney envisioned a much larger and more immersive destination. However, before his vision could fully materialize, Walt Disney passed away in 1966. Despite this loss, his brother Roy O. Disney continued to pursue their shared dream, and Walt Disney World opened its doors on October 1, 1971. Spanning over 25,000 acres, Walt Disney World Resort includes multiple theme parks, hotels, water parks, and entertainment venues, captivating millions of visitors each year with its magic and innovation.
Walt Disney: A Legacy of Awards and Honors
Walt Disney, the creative genius behind some of the most beloved characters and stories in entertainment history, is not only remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to animation and filmmaking but also for the numerous awards and honors he received during his illustrious career. From Academy Awards to Presidential Medals, Disney’s legacy is adorned with recognition from peers, fans, and world leaders alike.
Academy Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Film
Walt Disney’s relationship with the Academy Awards is legendary, marked by numerous accolades and achievements. His first Academy Award came in 1932 when he received an honorary Oscar for the creation of Mickey Mouse, a character who would become an enduring symbol of the Disney brand. This award recognized Disney’s pioneering efforts in the field of animation and laid the foundation for his future success at the Oscars.
Over the years, Disney continued to dominate the animation categories at the Academy Awards, winning a total of 26 competitive Oscars, the most ever awarded to an individual. These awards spanned various categories, including Best Animated Short Film, Best Animated Feature, and Special Achievement Awards for technical innovations.
One of Disney’s most notable achievements at the Oscars was the 1939 film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which received an honorary award recognizing its groundbreaking impact on the film industry. This historic achievement solidified Disney’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker and set the stage for the studio’s future successes.
Presidential Medal of Freedom: A Nation’s Gratitude
In addition to his numerous accolades in the world of entertainment, Walt Disney was also honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Disney with this prestigious honor, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the arts and culture of the nation.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural endeavors. Walt Disney’s receipt of this award underscored his status as a cultural icon whose impact extended far beyond the realm of entertainment.
Disney’s Enduring Legacy
Walt Disney’s awards and honors are a testament to his unparalleled creativity, innovation, and impact on the world of entertainment. From his pioneering work in animation to his visionary leadership as the founder of The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, filmmakers, and storytellers around the world.
As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Walt Disney, we are reminded of the power of imagination and the enduring magic of storytelling. Through his timeless characters and enchanting narratives, Disney created a world where dreams come true and imagination knows no bounds. His legacy lives on not only in the countless awards and honors he received but also in the hearts of millions who have been touched by his work. Though he may have passed away in 1966, his legacy lives on, reminding us all of the power of imagination and the magic of storytelling.