Profile of the Day: Walt Disney

Posted December 15, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember Walt Disney, who died on this day in 1966 at the age of 65.

Image: Walt Disney / NASA

He was born Walter Elias Disney on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois to Elias Charles Disney and Flora Call Disney. At 16, he tried to join the U.S. army during World War I, but was rejected for being underage. Undeterred, he joined the American Red Cross and worked as an ambulance driver in France.

In 1928, Disney released the animated short film, Steamboat Willie, the first Disney cartoon to feature synchronized sound with Mickey Mouse as the star. Disney voiced the character of Mickey himself. The cartoon was an instant hit and catapulted Disney to international stardom. Since creating his first films, Disney has become a legendary and iconic figure. Over the course of his successful career, he won 22 Academy Awards and still holds the record for most individual Oscar wins.

On July 17, 1955, Disney opened his famous theme park, Disneyland. Since its opening, the park has welcomed over 700 million guests from around the world.

What’s your favorite Disney film?

Explore Walt Disney’s family tree and share how you’re related!