Walt Disney, born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois, is renowned globally for his influential role as the co-founder of the Disney empire. Had he been alive in 2023, he would have reached the age of 122. Disney’s early passion for drawing and cartoons culminated in his foray into advertising before embarking on his illustrious journey in the entertainment industry.
As the fourth of five children born to Elias Disney and Flora, Disney’s pivotal partnership with his older brother Roy led to the establishment of the Disney Brothers Studio, later evolving into The Walt Disney Company. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant milestones, notably the creation of the groundbreaking animated film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” in 1938, marking the first full-color and sound animated feature.
However, Disney’s life was cut short, and he passed away on December 15, 1966, merely ten days after celebrating his 65th birthday, at St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, California. His death resulted from lung cancer, a condition diagnosed a little over a month before his passing, attributed to his heavy smoking habits that persisted since his teenage years.
In 1925, Disney married ink artist Lillian Bounds, and the couple had two daughters, Diane and Sharon. Diane pursued philanthropy and became a notable supporter of the arts, while Sharon followed her father’s entrepreneurial path. Both daughters have since passed away, and Walt Disney is survived by his grandchildren, marking a legacy that continues to influence generations through his enduring contributions to entertainment and popular culture.
