Walt Disney

Walter Elias Disney was born to Elias Disney and Flora Call Disney on December 5, 1901. His birth took place in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up Walt had 3 brothers and a sister. He was raised on a farm outside of Marceline, Missouri and discovered a passion for drawing at an early age. He was selling sketches to neighbors by the time he was seven. He attended McKinley High in Chicago where he spent his time drawing and doing photography. He also attended the School of Fine Arts at night.

In 1918 he attempted to join the military, but, failed because he was only sixteen. Still hoping to help the armed forces he joined the Red Cross instead. He was sent overseas where he drove an ambulance. His ambulance was covered not in the standard military camouflage, but in cartoons he had drawn himself. He returned from the war in 1920 and went to Kansas City to pursue a career as an advertising cartoonist.

Walt Disney giving the dedication day speech July ...

This image was selected as a picture of the week o...

Walt Disney introduces each of the Seven Dwarfs in...

In August of 1923 Walt packed up his drawing pencils and moved to Hollywood with only $40. He met up with his brother Roy and they pooled their money. Together they had $290. They borrowed some money from the bank and set up shop in their uncle's garage. They received and order from New York and expanded their office to the back of a real estate building.

Walt found true love in one of his first employees, Lillian Bounds. Together, they were joined in marriage in Lewiston, Idaho on June 13, 1925. They were blessed with two lovely daughters, Diane and Sharon.

Walt Disney created the famous Mickey Mouse in 1928 where he was first put to use in a silent cartoon. The adorable little mouse made his first screen appearance in a sound cartoon at...