Happy Birthday, Walt Disney!

By JIM PURCELL

Entertainment entrepreneur Walter Elias Disney, better known to the world as "Walt Disney," was born on Dec. 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. Though Mr. Disney died on Dec. 15, 1966, at the age of 65, his life has left a rich legacy that continues until today.

Walt Disney

Walt Disney was a pioneer in the American animation industry, and though he may be remembered today for Walt Disney World and Disney Pictures, the late Mr. Disney still maintains an unprecedented record all his own with the Academy Awards. As a film producer, Walt Disney was nominated 59 times for his work in animation features. In addition, the innovator of Mickey Mouse won 22 of those Oscars.

Mr. Disney moved to Hollywood, California and established Disney Brother Studios, along with his brother, Roy, in the 1920s. In 1928, Disney Studios came up with its landmark creation courtesy of Mr. Disney and Ub Iwerks, a cartoon mouse that has come to be known in every corner of the world as "Mickey."

Disney Studios then went on to make a slew of motion pictures, considered widely to be classics of the Golden Age of animation, including: "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," (1937); "Fantasia," (1940); "Dumbo," (1941); and "Bambi," (1942).

With Disney Studios prospering, Mr. Disney decided it was time for the Disney Company to branch out and, in 1955, he opened up the Disneyland Amusement Park. To fund the ambitious theme park venture, Mr. Disney brought "Walt Disney's Disneyland" and "The Mickey Mouse" to the small screen as television programs broadcast throughout the country.

Not only did Mr. Disney himself become a cultural icon who has stood the test of time, but the company he founded with his brother so long ago continues to be one of the largest and best known entertainment companies the world over.