Walt Disney

Name: Walter “Walt” Elias Disney
Birth: 5 Dec 1901 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States
Marriage: 13 Jul 192 to Lillian Marie Bounds in Lewiston, Nez Perce, Idaho, United States
Death: 15 Dec 1966 in Burbank, Los Angeles, California, United States

Visionary Animator, Storyteller, and Cultural Icon

Walter Elias Disney was born on 5 December 1901 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, to Elias Disney and Flora Call.[¹] He spent his formative years in the Midwest, where he developed a deep interest in drawing and storytelling. Early on, Walt demonstrated a creative spark and entrepreneurial drive—traits that would define his life’s work and global legacy.

On 13 July 1925, Walt married Lillian Marie Bounds in Lewiston, Nez Perce County, Idaho.[²] Lillian had been working as a secretary at the Disney Studio when they met. Their union was one of mutual support and affection, and together they had two daughters. Lillian remained Walt’s steadfast partner through the many successes and challenges of his career.

Walt Disney began his animation career in Kansas City and eventually moved to Hollywood, where he and his brother Roy O. Disney co-founded what would become the Walt Disney Company.[³] In 1928, he introduced Mickey Mouse, a character that catapulted him to fame and revolutionized animation. Over the decades, Disney expanded his creative vision to include full-length animated features, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), and live-action films, as well as nature documentaries and television programming.[⁴]

A pioneer not only in entertainment but also in themed environments, Disney envisioned and opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 1955. The park embodied his unique blend of imagination, technology, and family-centered fun. He continued to work on further projects, including Walt Disney World in Florida, which was under development at the time of his passing.

Walt Disney died on 15 December 1966 in Burbank, Los Angeles County, California, at the age of 65.[⁵] His contributions to the worlds of film, entertainment, and global culture endure to this day. His legacy lives on through generations who continue to find joy and inspiration in the characters and stories he brought to life.

Sources & Notes:

Death Certificate, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California, 1966.
Birth Certificate, Cook County Vital Records Office, Illinois, 1901.
Marriage Record, Nez Perce County Clerk, Idaho, 13 July 1925.
Walt Disney Company Archives; Biography of Roy O. Disney.
Filmography and Production Records, Disney Studios Archives; U.S. Copyright Office.

My 12th Cousin Once Removed