Disney has been around for 102 years, making it one of the biggest and best-known companies. Over the years, Disney has faced its faults, conflicts, and major changes and has developed over time. Today, some films we are familiar with include iconic films and characters such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, The Lion King, and Fantasia. But what is the mascot of this $197 billion company?
Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1901. His birth name was Walter Elias Disney, he was named after his father, who was also Elias Disney and was of Irish-Canadian descent. Walt’s mother, Flora Call, gave birth to him and his four siblings: Herbert, Ray, Roy, and Ruth—four boys and one girl. Walt was raised on a farm near Marceline, Missouri. He became interested in drawing at an early age, selling his first sketch to a neighbor at the age of seven. Walt attended McKinley High School in Chicago, where he focused on photography, contributing to the school newspapers. He also attended the Academy of Fine Arts in the evenings to learn more techniques of drawing. In 1918, Elias (Walt) tried to enlist in military service, but he was rejected because he was only 16 at the time. Walt then joined the Red Cross and went overseas, spending a year driving an ambulance. Afterward, Walt returned to Kansas City and pursued his career as an advertising cartoonist. In 1920, Walt marketed his first original animated cartoon. By 1923, he left Kansas City for Hollywood with only $40, his drawings, and a complete live-action film. His brother Roy was already in Hollywood, with $250 and $500 in borrowed money from their uncle’s garage and a camera stand. Later, they received an order from New York for the “Alice Comedy.” Shortly after, the brothers began their productions. In 1924, Walt hired animators and focused on development and direction.
On July 13, 1925, Walt married Lillian Bounds. In Lewiston, Idaho, they had two daughters, Diane and Sharon Disney. Over the years, Disney created and directed many films, some of which were successful, and others that failed. Sadly, on December 15, 1966, Walt Disney died at the age of 65. We all know some iconic characters and movies created by Walt Disney, but do you know the story behind these iconic characters and films? In 1928, Disney produced two silent films featuring Mickey Mouse, “Plane Crazy” and “Gallopin’ Gaucho.” After that, the production of Steamboat Willie was made. In 1929, the film Karnival Kid was released, where Mickey said his first words: “Hot dogs!” Steamboat Willie was an immediate sensation that led to studio dominance in the animated market for many years. Mickey has had many classic shows and movies. Disney has produced many big and classic films, one of them being Zootopia. Did you know Zootopia made about $1.24 billion?
Disney has made amazing films and TV shows over the years. It is amazing to see the evaluation of Disney over the years. Disney even made its own streaming service. All of these films, movies, and characters were started by Walt Disney, an amazing producer and writer. Disney has had an incredible evolution over the years with many popular movies, and it continues to this day. It’s exciting to see what else Disney has in store and what other amazing productions will be made next.