Born in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He was too young for military service during the world war. He served as ambulance driver in France 1918 to 1919. He returned to work as a cartoonist in Kansas City. Married Lillian Marie Bounds July 13, 1925.
They had two children.

Disney created the character of Mortimer Mouse. Mortimer's first two films were of limited success. Mortimer changed his name to Mickey for professional purposes. His third film, Steamboat Willie, was a big success and made a star out of Mickey.

Disney went on to create Donald Duck and Pluto. Disney's first full length feature was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The Disney studio and company branched out into The Mickey Mouse Club on television. They built Disneyland in southern California. Disney was working on Disney World in Florida at the time of his death. He died in Los Angeles.

Disney won over 800 awards and decorations for his work including 29 Academy Awards.

Congress honored Disney with a gold medal by resolution May 24, 1968. The obverse was designed by Blaine Gibson. Reverse was designed by Bob Noore and sculpted by Joe Kaba. These individuals were on the staff of Disney Productions. The gold medal was presented to the widow of Disney by President Nixon March 25, 1969. Sale of the medals in bronze (Turner 29) was for the benefit of the California Institute of Arts. Authorized mintage was 100,000 pieces.

bio: ConAut; EAB; NCAB 57; WAB; WWWA-4 obit: CB Feb 67;
NUM/NIN 7/95