Walt Disney

Early Life

Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Elias Disney, an Irish-Canadian, and Flora (née Call), a German-American. Disney was one of five children, four boys and a girl. He lived most of his childhood in Marceline, Missouri, where he began drawing, painting and selling pictures to neighbors and family friends.

A small town street scene, showing a main street with small shops and trees.

Career Beginnings

Disney moved to Kansas City in 1919 where he began his artistic career. He decided to become a newspaper artist, drawing political caricatures or comic strips. However, his journey into animated cartoons began when he landed a job at the Pesmen-Rubin Art Studio, where he met Ub Iwerks, a cartoonist who would become a long-time work partner of Disney.

Creation of Mickey Mouse

In 1928, Disney created his first successful cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse first appeared in "Steamboat Willie", which was the first cartoon to synchronize sound and animation. This innovation revolutionized the industry and laid the groundwork for future Disney successes.

A black and white cartoon image of a steamboat on a river.

Founding of The Walt Disney Company

In 1929, Disney and his brother Roy founded The Walt Disney Company, which became one of the best-known motion picture production companies in the world. Disney continued to add to his enterprise by creating a variety of new characters and even branching into television in the 1950s with shows like "The Mickey Mouse Club".

Disneyland

Disney's dream of a place where adults and children could have fun together came true in 1955 with the opening of Disneyland, a theme park in Anaheim, California. Disneyland became a place where people could meet Disney characters in person, ride on attractions based on Disney films, and explore lands of fantasy and adventure.

An amusement park with various attractions and a large castle in the center.

Legacy

Disney's impact on animation and the entertainment industry is immeasurable. His innovations in animation, his contributions to television, and his theme parks have created a lasting legacy. Disney passed away on December 15, 1966, but his company continues to produce animated films and expand its theme parks, making Disney a household name around the world.