Celeb birthdays: Happy heavenly birthday to Walt Disney
He started Disney Brothers Studio in 1920 in California with his brother Roy, and that's where it all kicked off.
• Walter Elias Disney December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966)
American entrepreneur, animator, voice actor and film producer, Mr Disney, as a pioneer of the American animation industry, introduced many developments in the production of cartoons.
He won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations and holds the record for most Academy Awards won by an individual. He was also presented two Golden Globe Special Achievement Awards and Emmy amongst others.
Mr Disney always had an interest in drawing and even became a commercial illustrator at 18. When he moved to California in the 1920’s, he started Disney Brothers Studio with his brother Roy. Just eight years later, with help from Ub Iwerks, Mickey Mouse was created. Walt also provided the voice for his character at first.
‘As the studio grew, Disney became more adventurous, introducing synchronized sound, full-color three-strip Technicolor, feature-length cartoons and technical developments in cameras.’
This resulted in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Fantasia, Pinocchio (both 1940), Dumbo (1941) and Bambi (1942). After WWI we were then given Cinderella (1950) and Mary Poppins (1964) which received five Academy Awards.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Disney breaks new ground with first gay storyline in a series
Disneyland was then opened in 1955 when the Disney industry was extended.
‘To fund the project he diversified into television programs, such as Walt Disney’s Disneyland and The Mickey Mouse Club; he was also involved in planning the 1959 Moscow Fair, the 1960 Winter Olympics, and the 1964 New York World’s Fair.’
Disney World was then on the rise in 1965. Mr Disney remains a renowned figure in the history of animation.
It is believed that Mr Disney was a heavy smoker, thus resulting in lung cancer which he died from in 1966, December 15.
‘His film work continues to be shown and adapted; his studio maintains high standards in its production of popular entertainment, and the Disney amusement parks have grown in size and number to attract visitors in several countries.’
(Source: Wikipedia)
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
