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Walt Disney: A Brief History of the Animation Pioneer

Harold Powell

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Published in A Brief History Of Walt Disney (Brief Histories)

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Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the fourth of five children born to Elias Disney, a carpenter, and Flora Call Disney, a homemaker. Disney's early life was marked by poverty, and the family moved frequently in search of work. In 1911, the Disneys settled in Kansas City, Missouri, where Walt attended the Kansas City Art Institute.

Disney's passion for drawing and animation began at an early age. He sold his first cartoon, "Newman Laugh-O-Grams," at the age of 16. In 1920, Disney moved to Hollywood, California, where he founded the Laugh-O-Gram Film Company. The company produced a series of short animated films, but it went bankrupt in 1923.

A Brief History of Walt Disney (Brief Histories)

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	305 pages

Undeterred, Disney founded a new company, The Walt Disney Company, in 1923. The company's first major success was the animated film "Steamboat Willie" (1928). The film featured the character Mickey Mouse, who quickly became one of the most popular cartoon characters in the world.

Over the next few decades, Disney produced a string of successful animated films, including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937),"Pinocchio" (1940),"Fantasia" (1940),"Dumbo" (1941),"Bambi" (1942),"Cinderella" (1950),"Alice in Wonderland" (1951),"Peter Pan" (1953),"Lady and the Tramp" (1955),and "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" (1961).

In addition to his animated films, Disney also produced a number of live-action films, including "Treasure Island" (1950),"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1954),and "Mary Poppins" (1964). He also founded the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California, in 1955.

Disney died of lung cancer on December 15, 1966, at the age of 65. He left behind a legacy of beloved characters and films that continue to be enjoyed by generations of children.

Legacy

Walt Disney is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. His films have been seen by billions of people around the world, and his characters have become icons of popular culture. Disney's legacy continues to live on through his films, theme parks, and other businesses.

Disney's impact on the world of animation cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer in the field, and his innovations have had a lasting impact on the way that animated films are made. Disney's films are known for their beautiful animation, memorable characters, and heartwarming stories. They have brought joy to generations of children, and they will continue to do so for years to come.

A Brief History of Walt Disney (Brief Histories)

4.4 out of 5