Walt Disney entered the world on December 5, 1901, in the Hermosa section of Chicago, Illinois, USA, to Elias Disney and Flora Call Disney. Little did anyone know he would shape the future of entertainment one day. Growing up in Marceline, Missouri, his love for drawing and storytelling ignited a passion that would define his legacy.  Walt Disney Day 2023 Date: All You Need To Know About the Day That Commemorates the Birth Anniversary of Walter Elias Disney.

Even today, Walt Disney stands tall, clinching the title for the most Academy Awards with an impressive 22 victories in competitive categories. Imagine this – his staggering collection of 31 Oscars is practically enough to fill up an entire room! That's the magic of Uncle Walt's unparalleled success in the world of cinema. On his birth anniversary, let’s go back in time and have a quick look at his marvellous journey that deserves an applause.

Early Days and Cartoonist Beginnings

Disney kicked off his artistic career as a cartoonist, founding Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City in 1921. Overcoming financial hurdles, he made the leap to Hollywood in 1923, co-founding Disney Brothers Studio with his brother Roy

Mickey Mouse: A Timeless Invention

The pivotal moment arrived in 1928 when Disney unveiled Mickey Mouse in the animated short film Steamboat Willie. This marked the birth of an entertainment empire, with Mickey Mouse becoming a cultural phenomenon and the symbol of Disney's success. 

Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie (Phpto Credits: X)

Innovations And Expanding Horizons

Continual innovation defined Disney's journey, from introducing synchronised sound in Steamboat Willie to crafting the first full-colour cartoon, Flowers and Trees, in 1932. The milestone came in 1937 with the release of the first full-length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The final animated film with his personal touch was The Jungle Book in 1967. His cherished creations include Bambi (1942) and Dumbo (1941). He highly valued both Fantasia (1940) and Mary Poppins (1964).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) by Walt Disney (Photo Credits: X)

Theme Parks And Dreams

Beyond animation, Disney's vision expanded to theme parks. Disneyland opened its doors in 1955, followed by the dream-turned-reality of Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971, a vision sparked during a visit to Denmark's "Tivoli"-park.

Disneyland (Photo Credits: X)

Legacy And Farewell

Walt Disney's journey concluded on December 15, 1966, succumbing to complications from lung cancer. Debunking myths, he wasn't cryogenically frozen or buried at Disneyland. Instead, his ashes found a resting place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.  As Walt Disney died with lung cancer, his final words were a note with "Kurt Russell" written on it.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 05, 2023 09:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).