If you would have told Elias and Flora Call Disney that their son, born on this day 116 years ago, would grow up to create a company whose reach spans globally and creates magic for people of all ages, I’m not sure they would believe you.
Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901 to Elias and Flora Call Disney in Chicago, Illinois. It wasn’t long into his childhood that Walt began to show signs for his talent and love of art. He would often sell his paintings to neighbors for extra money.
In 1919 Walt came back from driving ambulances for the Red Cross in France, he started Laugh-O-Grams. When that eventually failed, he packed up and moved to Hollywood.
His first big break was the success of the Alice Comedies, shorts where a human girl interacted with cartoons in their world.
Soon Walt opened his very first studio in 1923. Soon Oswald the Lucky Rabbit came about in 1927 and Mickey Mouse premiered in Steamboat Willie in 1928. In 1937, Walt Disney released the first feature length animation, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Walt continued to find success in animation.
In 1955, Walt debuted Disneyland, a theme park for families to have fun together. You can read a short thread about the opening day here.
While working on EPCOT and the rest of his new park in Florida, Walt passed away on December 15, 1966 at the age of 65.
This article merely scratches the surface of Walt’s life. Walt Disney was one of the most innovative and influential men of the 20th century. His legacy continues into today as the Walt Disney Company now owns ESPN, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and span over parks, movies, TV, and the web.
Happy Birthday, Walt from all of us here at the Boardwalk Times!
Elizabeth Pfeiffer is a Columnist for the Boardwalk Times.
