Walter Elias Disney

Mickey and Others (http://www.bullfrog117.com/disney/)

"The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique." Walt Disney used not only his words but his art to inspire people. "Disney, Walt (1901-1966), was one of the most famous motion-picture producers in history. Disney first became known in the 1920's and 1930's for creating such cartoon film characters as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. He later produced feature-length cartoon films, movies about wild animals in their natural surroundings, and films starring human actors. Disney won 32 Academy Awards for his movies and for scientific and technical contributions to filmmaking. He also gained fame for his development of theme parks" (World Book Student). Although some people may say Disney was a mistrusting and racist being, his influence on people could not be deterred. There is no doubt of his creativity, imagination and perseverance. He was well known for his bright smile and caring personality. He inspired people of all ages to be themselves and to reach for their dreams. His personality and the legacy he left behind made Disney a hero and an influence.

Walter Elias Disney (http://www.falloutsoftware.com/disney/waltDisneyBiography.html)

Disney's perseverance is one of the reasons he is considered a hero. Disney faced problems as a child into his career however he never let go of the dream he had. "There, he met a fellow animator, Ub Iwerks. The two soon set up their own company. In the early 20s, they made a series of animated shorts for the Newman theater chain, entitled "Newman's Laugh-O-Grams". Their company soon went bankrupt, however. The two then went to Hollywood in 1923. They started work on a new series, about a live-action little girl who journeys to a world of animated characters. Entitled the "Alice Comedies", they were distributed by M.J. Winkler(Margaret). Walt was backed up financially only by Winkler and his brother Roy O. Disney, who remained his business partner for the rest of his life. Hundreds of "Alice Comedies" were produced between 1923 and 1927, before they lost popularity. Walt then started work on a series around a new animated character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This series was successful, but in 1928, Walt discovered that M.J. Winkler and her husband, Charles Mintz, had stolen the rights to the character away from him. They had also stolen all his animators, except for Ub Iwerks. While taking the train home, Walt started doodling on a piece of paper. The result of these doodles was a mouse named Mickey. With only Walt and Ub to animate, and Walt's wife Lillian Disney (Lilly) and Roy's wife Edna Disney to ink in the animation cells, three Mickey Mouse cartoons were quickly produced. The first two didn't sell, so Walt added synchronized sound to the last one, Steamboat Willie (1928), and it was immediately picked up"(Peter). In times of trouble and betrayal Walt Disney turned the other cheek and moved forward with his goals and dreams. He did not seek revenge; instead he discovered new ways to success. With only a little support Disney was still able to become the man he is known as today. He did not back down to troubles instead he took the opportunities to gain more success. Although he is well known now, he did not have a simple and easy life. "In 1923, Disney moved to Los Angeles to become a film producer or director. When he failed to find a job, he returned to producing cartoons. He set up his first studio in the back half of a real estate office. For several years, Disney struggled to pay his expenses. He gained success in 1928, when he released the first short cartoons that featured Mickey Mouse." (World Book Student). Disney struggled through the years to find success in his cartoons, and often found himself struggling to pay his expenses. He did not have the proper equipment and help, yet he still made it work out. Although he could have given up and taken up an easier career, he pursued his dream regardless of the troubles that it came with. Disney persevered through troubles, and if he were alive today he would find himself surrounded by fame and fortune.

Disney World (http://wdwinfo.20m.com/)

Disney used his creativity and imagination to inspire others. Walt Disney is the man responsible for Disneyland, Mickey Mouse and other known characters. "He was raised on a Midwestern farm in Marceline, Missouri, and in Kansas City, where he was able to acquire some rudimentary art instruction form correspondence courses and Saturday museum classes. He would later use many of the animals and characters that he knew form that Missouri farm in his cartoons...Living frugally, he invested profits to make better pictures. His instance on technical perfection and his unsurpassed gifts as story editor quickly pushed him firm ahead. The invention of such cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie, and Goofy combined with the daring and innovative use of music, sound, and folk material (as in The Three Little Pig) made the Disney shorts of the 1930s a phenomenon of worldwide success" (Encyclopedia of World Biographies). Using his past on a farm he created many characters that have human qualities. Disney said himself that “There's nothing funnier than the human animal.” He created role models and entertainment for families around the world. With minimal art instruction he bought to life friends for families everywhere. He not only created Mickey Mouse but he also brought new ideas to this world."Initial failure sent Disney to Hollywood in 1923, where in partnership with his loyal elder brother Ro, he managed to resume cartoon production. His first success came with the creation of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie. Steamboat Willie was the first fully synchronized sound cartoon and featured Disney as the voice of a character first called 'Mortimer Mouse'"(Encyclopedia of World Biography). Disney gained much of his success though his creativity. By creating the first film with synchronized sound he changed the way animation films are watched and helped the entertainment industry improve. This was a feat that Disney accomplished on his path to success and entertainment. Disney was an innovative man who was not hindered by his failures.

To people around the world Disney is an inspiration and a hero. Through his life he has always reached for his dreams and goals and in turn he inspired others to do the same. He is a hero because he faced many difficulties yet he still gained success in the end. Through all the failures he had, he learned and innovated instead of giving up. Never backing down from his goals, he gives people a role model to look up too. Disney shows families the importance of perseverance and morals through his films and actions. That is what makes him an inspiration.

Steamboat Willie (http://www.cartoonreviewsite.com/series/mm/sw.htm)

"Disney, Walt." World Book Student .. World Book ,2010. Web.12 Mar. 2010.

Fagan, Damian. "Walt Disney and the nine old men." Appleseeds May-June 2008: 14+. General Reference Center Gold. Web. 12 Dec. 2010.

Peter, Tommy. "Walt Disney - Biography." IMDb. IMDb.com, Inc., n.d. Web. 4 Jan 2011. .

"Walter Elias Disney." Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 5. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 26-27. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 12 Dec. 2010.