Walter Elias “Walt” Disney

Walter Elias “Walt” Disney, born in Chicago, Illinois (5 December 1901) and passed away in Burbank, California (15 December 1966)

When he was 16, Disney dropped out of high school to enlist with the Army. He was rejected for not being of legal age and Disney joined the Red Cross instead.Mickey Mouse, arguably the most famous cartoon character that Disney created and originally voiced, was “born” after Disney lost ownership rights of another cartoon rodent, Oswald, to Universal Pictures.

He is the most awarded and nominated individual by the Academy Awards, having won twenty-six out of fifty-nine nominations. He had also won 7 Emmy Awards during his career.

Disney died of diabetes before his plans for the Walt Disney World Resort had come to fruition. His brother and co-founder Roy Disney came out of retirement for its grand opening in 1971.