WALT DISNEY - THE FATHER OF MICKEY MOUSE

Walt Disney is famous around the world for his pioneering role as an American motion picture and television producer, a showman, and as the creator of cartoon films, most notably Mickey Mouse, and the amusement parks Disneyland and Disney World.

Childhood and Education

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 5, 1901.

He attended Benton Grammar School and McKinley High School (for only one year) and took classes at the Kansas City Art Institute and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His formal education was limited, but he was a lifelong learner.

Achievements

He was a very successful film-maker, who created the first synchronized sound cartoon (Steamboat Willie, 1928) and the first feature-length animated picture (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937), among many other classics like Pinocchio and Fantasia.

Apart from making films, he was also famous for founding the amusement parks Disneyland (1955) and Walt Disney World, and for co-founding The Walt Disney Company (originally Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio). He won a record 26 Academy Awards out of 59 nominations.

Family

He had 3 brothers and 1 sister / 2 children (one biological and one adopted daughter).

Death and the continued success of The Walt Disney Studios

He died in Burbank, California, on December 15, 1966, from complications of lung cancer. The company he co-founded, now The Walt Disney Company, continued to expand his legacy, including the opening of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.