Walt Disney was one of the most influential figures in entertainment history. He was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Missouri, where he developed a love for drawing and storytelling. After serving briefly as an ambulance driver in World War I, Disney pursued a career in art and animation.

In 1923, he and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio, which later became The Walt Disney Company. Walt’s early creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, was popular, but he lost the rights to the character. Out of that setback came Mickey Mouse in 1928, who debuted in the groundbreaking sound cartoon Steamboat Willie. Mickey’s success launched Disney’s career into new heights.

Disney went on to produce the first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), which was a worldwide success. Over the years, he introduced beloved classics such as Pinocchio, Cinderella, and Peter Pan. Beyond films, Walt Disney dreamed of creating theme parks where families could enjoy stories brought to life. In 1955, Disneyland opened in California.

Walt Disney passed away in 1966, but his legacy continues through films, parks, and the imagination he inspired around the world.