Was Walt Disney a 33 Mason?
The Early Life and Years with the Young Master
Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elias and Flora Disney. His early life was marked by a strong interest in drawing and art, which would eventually lead to a career in animation. Walt Disney’s early years were spent in Marceline, Missouri, where he grew up with his five older siblings. Walt’s family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he began drawing and selling his sketches to neighbors.
The Early Years of Disney’s Cartoon Career
In 1920, Walt Disney moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in animation. He worked as an animator at the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio, but was soon hired by John Bower as an animator at the Colony Picture Theatre. In 1923, Disney met Ub Iwerks, a fellow animator who would become a close friend and collaborator.
Disney’s big break came in 1928 when he joined Walt Disney Productions (now known as Walt Disney Animation Studios) as an animator. He worked on several cartoons, including "Laugh-O-Gram" and "Snow White."
Walt’s Vision for Animation
Disney’s early years with the company were marked by experimentation and innovation. He was determined to create a new kind of animation that would stand out from the rest. In 1937, Disney co-founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio with his brother, Roy.
Disney’s vision for animation was influenced by his love of drawing and his desire to create a world that was both magical and fantastical. He was inspired by the works of artist and author Edgar Degas, who was known for his detailed and intricate drawings.
Walt’s Early Collaborators
Disney’s early collaborators included:
- Ollie Johnston: A renowned Disney animator and illustrator, Johnston was responsible for designing the backgrounds and characters for many of Disney’s early cartoons.
- Norton Zonky: A key animator and layout artist, Zonky was responsible for creating the detailed backgrounds and settings for many of Disney’s early cartoons.
- Buck Stevens: A young animator and artist, Stevens was one of the first employees at Disney’s animation studio.
Walt’s Personal Life
Walt Disney was married to Lillian Bounds in 1923, and they had two children together, Mary and Intercourse. The couple divorced in 1926, but remained close friends until Disney’s death.
Walt’s Early Career Mistakes
Disney’s early career was marked by several mistakes. In 1928, Disney’s new wife, Lillian, left him due to his heavy drinking and reckless behavior. He also had several affairs with women, including Vivian Hollick, a high-society woman who was the wife of a wealthy businessman.
Walt’s Career Comeback
Despite these setbacks, Disney’s career continued to flourish. In 1930, he co-founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio with his brother, Roy. He also began to develop his own characters and storylines, including Mickey Mouse and Pluto.
Walt’s First Film
Disney’s first film, Steamboat Willie (1928), was a groundbreaking cartoon that featured Mickey Mouse and Flowers and Trees. The film was a commercial success, and marked the beginning of Disney’s rise to fame.
Walt’s Personal Grief
Disney’s personal life was also marked by significant personal struggles. He suffered from depression and anxiety throughout his life, and was known to be a heavy drinker.
Walt’s Fireworks and Movies
Disney’s love of fireworks and movies is legendary. He owned a firework company and had several successful film productions, including Pinocchio (1940) and Fantasia (1940).
Walt’s Business Skills
Disney was also known for his business skills. He was a shrewd businessman who was able to negotiate deals and secure financing for his projects.
Walt’s Legacy
Walt Disney’s legacy is immense. He revolutionized the animation industry with his innovative techniques and storytelling. He also expanded the Disney brand to include theme parks, resorts, and consumer products.
Walt’s Later Years
In the years leading up to his death, Disney continued to work on several projects, including Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967). He also established the Disney Theatrical Group, which began to produce live-action adaptations of his films.
Walt’s Death
Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966, at the age of 65. He was buried in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
The Walt Disney Estate
The Walt Disney Estate is a vast and complex organization that includes:
- Disneyland Resort: A 160-acre resort in Anaheim, California, which includes Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
- Walt Disney World Resort: A 25,000-acre resort in Orlando, Florida, which includes four theme parks, two water parks, and several resort hotels.
- Disneyland Park: A 160-acre theme park in Anaheim, California, which features seven themed lands, including Critter Country and Wine Country.
- Disney California Adventure Park: A 550-acre theme park in Anaheim, California, which features five themed lands, including Cars Land and Hollywood Land.
The Walt Disney Archives
The Walt Disney Archives is a vast collection of documents, films, and photographs that chronicle the history of the Disney company. It includes the original scripts, storyboards, and concept art for many of Disney’s most famous films.
The Walt Disney Museum
The Walt Disney Museum is a large museum located in Burbank, California, which showcases the history of the Disney company. It includes exhibits on the company’s early years, its rise to fame, and its evolution into a global media empire.
Conclusion
Walt Disney was a complex and multifaceted individual who left an indelible mark on the world of animation and entertainment. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. As we reflect on his life and career, we are reminded of the power of imagination and creativity, and the importance of innovation and perseverance.