Ward Kimball(1914-2002)
- Animation Department
- Director
- Writer
Ward Kimball joined Disney Studios in 1934 as an animator. He
eventually became involved in all aspects of animation production, most
notably as the designer of Jiminy Cricket for the film "Pinocchio." He
was also responsible for the redesign of Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney
recognized Kimball's achievements by making him one of the "Nine Old
Men", Disney's semi-official group of advisors. Kimball retired from
Disney in 1972, but still maintained ties with the studio. He joined
other leading Disney animators in 1978 for a whistle-stop tour to
promote Mickey Mouse's 50th birthday. In addition to animation, Kimball
was both an avid musician and train enthusiast. In 1948 he formed the
Firehouse Five Plus Two, a Dixieland jazz band composed of fellow
Disney employees. He also maintained a full-sized train and tracks at
his home in California, and was a past president of the Train
Collectors Association. Not only did his love of trains get him the job
of designing the World of Motion display at EPCOT, it also got another
train collector started--Walt Disney himself. Kimball received many
honors during his lifetime, and in 1989 was named a Disney
Legend.
