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Roy O. Disney

Biography

Roy O. Disney

Overview

  • Born
    June 24, 1893 · Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Died
    December 20, 1971 · Burbank, California, USA (cerebral hemorrhage)
  • Birth name
    Roy Oliver Disney
  • Height
    5′ 8″ (1.73 m)

Biography

  • Roy O. Disney was an American businessman, becoming the partner and co-founder, along with his younger brother Walt Disney, of Walt Disney Productions, since renamed The Walt Disney Company.

    While Walt was the creative man, Roy was the one who made sure the company was financially stable. Roy and Walt both founded Disney Studios as brothers, but Walt would buy out most of Roy's share in 1929 so, unlike Max and Dave Fleischer of rival Fleischer Studios, Roy was not a co-producer. However, Roy would be equal partner in all facets of the production company.

    Roy became the company's first CEO in 1929, although the official title was not given until 1968. He also shared the role of chairman of the board with Walt from 1945. Walt however dropped the chairman title in 1960 so he could focus more on the creative aspects of the company. After Walt Disney's death in 1966, Roy postponed his retirement to oversee construction of what was then known as Disney World. He later renamed it Walt Disney World as a tribute to his brother. Roy became the president of Walt Disney Productions on December 15, 1966, and remained so until 1968.

    He died in December 20, 1971 at age 78, a few months after the Walt Disney World was opened.
    - IMDb mini biography by: Pedro Borges

Family

  • Spouse
      Edna Disney(April 11, 1925 - December 20, 1971) (his death, 1 child)
  • Children
      Roy Edward Disney
  • Parents
      Elias Disney
  • Relatives
      Walt Disney(Sibling)

Trivia

  • Brother of Herbert Disney, Walt Disney and Ruth Disney.
  • It was Roy O. Disney's suggestion to his brother Walt Disney that he add a soundtrack to his second Mickey Mouse cartoon, Steamboat Willie (1928).
  • Father of Roy Edward Disney. Uncle of Diane Disney and Pam Dixon.
  • The third of five siblings, he was the only one whose birthday was not in December. Ironically, he died that month in 1971.
  • Grandfather of Roy Patrick Disney III and Great Grandfather of Roy Michael Disney IV.

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