By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — We hope you have enjoyed this journey into the complex and brilliant life of one of America’s top artistic talents — Walt Disney.

Not technically an artist, Disney was first known as a cartoonist — the one who invented and drew that beloved little animated character, Mickey Mouse. Later Walt Disney was able to add the following tags to his name and reputation. He became a successful entrepreneur, a director, a film producer, a voice actor and an animator. He wound up in California because his brother, Roy, was recuperating from tuberculosis in the sunny climate. The brothers worked together and each contributed greatly to the business that was to become a top-rated producer of entertainment that was enjoyed by the world. His name was instantly recognized around the world.

Disney’s personality was, like him, busy conquering new worlds so he was sometimes considered difficult and a perfectionist. He gave out accolades to his staff rather sparingly, but he did recognize good talent in his employ. The company went through several iterations but ended up as The Walt Disney Co. They revolutionized the world of business and entertainment and won the hearts of children and their parents all over the world. Roy worked primarily on the finances and piloted them safely through many ups and downs. Walt was the creative leader, inventor and the main reason for all the awards bestowed on Disney, including the honor of having his picture with some of his creations on the 1938 U.S. postage stamp. (See the photo provided.)

Walt Disney hired an ink artist named Lillian Bounds. She became his wife that next July. They were married in her hometown of Lewiston, Idaho. They were known to have a successful marriage and had one daughter, Diane, who was born in 1933. A second daughter named Sharon was adopted in December 1936. The Lindbergh kidnapping affected the Disney family as it did most parents. They took extreme steps to protect their girls and would not allow them to be photographed.

Walt Disney received hundreds of awards during his life: 59 Academy Award nominations; 22 Academy Awards; two special achievement awards for “Bambi” and “The Living Desert”; plus the Cecil B. DeMille Award; and four Emmy Award nominations. The Library of Congress has several of his films. Disney was inducted to the Hollywood Walk of Fame with two stars. Mickey Mouse was awarded his own star in 1978. His famous creation and tourist attraction, Disneyland, received a star in 2005. These were the top awards of many. In total, he and his staff received more than 950 honors and citations from places of note all over the world. The list of his awards and honors is too long for this short column, but there is a Disney Family Museum if you would like to pursue more information on this very, very famous American artist.

Events

Sam Hoffman continues his superb exhibit at Warsaw City Hall. You can see his work for free on the main floor at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery. If you are interested in becoming one of our excellent exhibitors, please contact Darla McCammon.

Contact Us

Darla McCammon, artist, columnist, author, (574) 527-4044 or [email protected].
DeeAnna Muraski, executive director, Operation Read, (574) 529-5783 or  [email protected]. (Be watching for a famous author dinner with a speech by an actor/author from “Little House on the Prairie.” Contact DeeAnna to purchase tickets and learn more about this awesome event.)