Walt Disney

Walter E. Disney (abcpedia.us)

Walt Disney is not only my hero but a hero and legend to most people of the 20th century. Walt Disney was a pioneer in the field of television programing. Throughout his life he was able to teach, inspire, and touch the hearts of millions of people of every nation through his imagination he brought to life through his work.

During Walter Elias Disney’s 43-year Hollywood career, he touched and inspired many children as well as adults through his work in many ways. Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1901. His parents were Flora Call and Elias Disney. Walt was one of five children, (four boys and one girl.) Near Missouri, where Walt was raised on a farm, he became interested in art, (drawing.) At the age of seven, Walt sold his first drawings and sketches to his neighbors.

Disney with his Creations (celfcentered.com)

During the fall, at age sixteen, Walt tried to join the military but was rejected because of his age. He then joined the Red Cross, and he spent a year driving an ambulance. Unlike most ambulances, Walt covered every inch of it with drawings and cartoons, not camouflage. When he returned to Kansas City he became a cartoonist. In 1923, he left to Hollywood with his completed live-action animation film. With the help of his brother, Walt began the operation of their production. Two years later, Walt married Lillian Bounds, one of his first employees. Lillian later gave birth to two daughters, Diane Marie and Sharon Mae Disney.

In 1928, just before Walt’s drawings could be released, being used in a silent film called “Plane Crazy,” an invention was a made that allowed sound to play along with a motion picture. Because of this, Walt’s creation, Mickey Mouse screened in “Steamboat Willie,” as the first sound cartoon. Walt progressed with his splendid, fun-filled creation. With his newer animations, he added color. As he moved forward, he got many awards for his wonderful tales. The year of 1945 was when Walt’s first musical cartoon combined with live action called “The Three Caballeros” was screened. He also used this method in the well known, “Mary Poppins.”

Walt stated, “I don’t believe there is a challenge anywhere in the world that is more important to people everywhere than finding the solution to the problems of our cities. But where do we begin? Well, we’re convinced we must start with the public need. And the need is not just for curing the old ills of old cities. We think the need is for starting from scratch on virgin land and building a community that will become a prototype for the future.” This gave Walt an idea. In 1955, Disneyland was launched. More than 250 million people, including presidents, and royalty all over the globe, enjoyed the experience of Disneyland. Walt later created Disney World because few East Coasters were traveling to Disneyland in California. Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 1, 1971. Walt died on December 15,1966, at the age of 65, he did one last generous thing. He established an Institute of the Arts in California, so talent would have a place to develop in the future.

There are quite a few ways in which Walt Disney inspired and affected me. He followed his heart and dreams and he ended up doing what he loved. I couldn’t imagine living without his extraordinary creations. His animations are what inspired me to sing, dance, and let my imagination run wild and I’m sure he affected many others the same way! Walt is a wonderful role-model! His selfless, optimistic personality, his love of doing things for others, and how he’s always inspiring people to use imagination and persevere are factors that make him a hero.

Walt Disney a hero and legend did much more than touch millions of peoples’ hearts, he also taught and inspired. He brought joy and happiness to everyone who has experience his fantastic creations. I am certain we will never know anyone else like the wonderful Walt Disney.