Walt Disney

Walter Disney

Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5 1901 in Chicago, Illinois and died on December 15. He only started making cartoons when he was 18 after attempts to join the military had failed. He began a career as an advertising cartoonist in 1928 and developed his first cartoon, Mickey Mouse, as 'Steamboat Willie'.

Steamboat Willie

The main ideas meant to be portrayed in his films were imagination, optimism and self-made success. Disney believed that anything was possible so long as you wanted it badly enough and were willing to work at it. To him no dream was too big and everyone was equally important no matter their size, color, or social standing.

Beauty and the Beast

His works not only appealed to children but also had a beneficial standing for many adults. During the war, Disney, although in debt, built a 3 million dollar studio in Burbank, California to aid those without jobs. The studio included air conditioning and a cafeteria that delivered to the workers' desks. The workers later went on strike protesting that they wanted more money and Disney, although upset by their ungratefulness, did give them their money just to make things a bit easier for them.

Cinderella

Heroism is not only about strength but about how far one person is willing to go for another. One who looks toward the greater good rather than what would benefit them in the end. Those people who go out of their way to do something nice for a stranger and not expect anything in return.

Alice in Wonderland

Walter Disney, although he never fought in a war, cured a disease, or solved a global problem, has made the effort to enrich the minds of children and teach them something even when barely supported in doing so. Younger children learn from what they see and are shown, which is largely from television and with the lessons shown in any Disney movie that time will be well spent.

We are our children's first and most important role models. --Lee Haney