Profile of the Day: Walt Disney

Posted December 5, 2022 by Amanda | No Comment

What’s your favorite Disney film? On this day in 1901, Walt Disney was born. A pioneer in animation, Disney co-created the iconic cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. He produced several classic animated films and founded the Disney theme parks, which are still enjoyed by visitors from all around the world today.

Image: Walt Disney / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Disney was born Walter Elias Disney on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the fourth of five children born to Elias Disney and Flora Call. When he was four, the family moved to a farm in Marceline, Missouri. It was there that Disney first developed his interest in drawing and painting. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 and with the United States fighting World War I, attempted to join the army. Rejected for being too young, Disney forged his birth date on his birth certificate and joined the Red Cross Ambulance Corps. In 1918, he was shipped to France to work as an ambulance driver and discharged a year later.

After returning home, he continued to pursue his career as a cartoonist and animator. He partnered with is brother, Roy, and founded the Disney Brothers Studio. In 1928, Disney released the animated short film, Steamboat Willy, the first Disney cartoon to feature synchronized sound with Mickey Mouse as the star. Disney voiced the character himself. After the success of the film, the studio would produce many more classic animated films including, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Bambi. Today, the company is one of the largest entertainment conglomerates in the world.

Disney died on December 15, 1966 just ten days after his 65th birthday.

Explore Walt Disney’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected!