WALT DISNEY

Walt Disney was one of the most famous people in the world. Millions of children and adults love watching his films. He holds the record for winning the most Academy Awards. He was a film producer and animator. He created some of the most successful characters, movies and theme parks of the 20th Century. Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1901. When he was four years old his parents, Elias and Flora, moved the family to a farm in Marceline, Missouri. Walt enjoyed living on the farm with his three older brothers and his younger sister. In Marceline, Walt started drawing and he loved it very much. When he was ten, he discovered the world of theatre and cinema. He became the cartoonist for his high school newspaper. In 1917, he and his family moved to Chicago. He went to the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts because his dream was to become a newspaper cartoonist. He also joined the army at the age of seventeen. He fought in World War I in France for a year.

Walt wanted to make his own animation cartoons. In 1923, he started his own company called Laugh-O-Gram. He created short animated cartoons. The cartoons were popular but he didn’t make enough money. Walt had to close the company. However, he didn’t give up and moved to Hollywood. Five years later, he created a new character called Mickey Mouse. He created the first animated film with sound. It was called Steamboat Willie and starred Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Walt performed the voices for Steamboat Willie himself. The film was a great success. Disney continued to work, creating new characters such as Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. He was also successful with the cartoon Silly Symphonies and the first colour animated film, Flowers and Trees.

Disney always had new ideas. He had the idea to create a theme park with rides and entertainment. Disneyland opened in 1955. It cost $17 million to build. The park was a huge success and is still one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Disney then had the idea of building a larger park in Florida called Walt Disney World. He worked on the plans, but died before the park opened in 1971.

Disney died on December 15, 1966 from lung cancer. His movies and theme parks are still enjoyed by millions of people each year. His company continues to produce wonderful movies and entertainment.