Walt Disney And His Life

830 Words2 Pages

Walt Disney is known around the entire world for the amusement parks and films which bear his name. He won a record 29 Academy Awards, many Oscars, and even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor for a citizen of the United States. While his life may seem glamorous, Disney encountered many hardships in his life and reached his dreams only by remaining determined. Young Imagination Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5th, 1901, in Chicago. He was the fourth of five children, having three brothers, Herbert, Raymond, and Roy, when he was born. In 1903, parents Elias and Flora added a daughter, Ruth, to the family. Elias worried about big-city life, so the Disney family moved to a farm near Marceline, Missouri, in 1906 (Jaffe 7). Walt’s job on the farm was to take care of the animals, many of which would inspire his famous characters later in life (“Walt Disney”). These beloved animals were also the subjects of Walt’s first sketches. In 1910, two years after Walt’s brothers Herbert and Raymond ran away, Elias contracted typhoid fever. As farm upkeep became too difficult, the Disney family moved to Kansas City, where Roy left home to work as a bank teller. When Walt was 16, he and the remaining family members once again moved, this time returning to Chicago. Walt soon enlisted with the Red Cross Ambulance Unit. In 1919, he returned home, but soon became upset as his father disapproved his dream of being a cartoonist. Walt decided to leave home, going to Kansas City as to be with Roy. He would soon begin to develop his dreams. Road to Fame Disney’s first studio was made with Ub Iwerks, a man who would later become Disney’s best friend. The studio was called Iwerks-Disney, which would later be run by only... ... middle of paper ... ...ney is a household name around the world. Disney movies are still some of the most popular films today, and television’s Disney Channel has many original shows for children. Disneyland and Walt Disney World are the most-visited theme parks in the world. Many children dream of visiting these places. Walt Disney is also remembered for his undying determination, the one thing that led to every one of his successes. A Round of Applause Walt Disney is an idol to many people, including myself. I believe his self-confidence and dedication are great examples for any child to follow. Disney’s successes, and failures, inspire many people who strive to achieve something as great as Disney was able to. The theme parks he created are magical places, and the movies he produced are classics. While Walt Disney may be gone now, he most certainly still deserves a round of applause.

Open Document