10 Interesting Facts about Walt Disney

These following facts about Walt Disney will probably broaden your knowledge about various Disney’s work you love. If you love to watch Disney’s movie, then you should read one of these facts about him. Walt Disney was an American business magnate, animator, cartoonist, producer, director, screenwriter, entrepreneur and voice actor. A major figure within the American animation industry and throughout the world, he is regarded as an international icon, and philanthropist, well known for his influence and contributions to the field of entertainment during the 20th century. To get to know more about him, here are some other facts about Walt Disney you may like.

Facts about Walt Disney 1: Real Name

Walt Disney’s ancestors, whose last name was actually “d’Isigny”, came from a village in France. The name is pronounced “Deez-nay.” Fortunately, the name was changed to “Disney”. It’s much easier to pronounce.

Facts about Walt Disney 2: Postage Stamp

To date, over 800 famous people have been featured on a U.S. postage stamp. The list includes past U.S. Presidents, actors, actresses, historical figures and a motion picture producer and animator. In fact, Walt Disney was honored by having his picture on a six-cent United States commemorative postage stamp that was issued September 11, 1968.

Facts about Walt Disney 3: Disney’s Death

This statement is nothing more than a rumor that is still circulating around decades after Disney’s death. According to Snopes.com, “his reputation as a technological innovator” probably fueled this story. After he died, Walt Disney’s body was cremated. It was then interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Facts about Walt Disney 4: Graduation

In a world where higher education is strongly linked to career success, Walt Disney is a perfect example of an exception to that rule. He attended McKinley High School until he dropped out at age 16. However, Walt Disney, who created the beloved “Mickey Mouse” character in 1928, and built the Disney Empire, won honorary degrees from several universities such as Yale, Harvard and UCLA.

Facts about Walt Disney 5: Alias Names

At times, Walt Disney used the names “Retlaw Elias Yensid” or “Retlaw Yensid”. These are both his real name spelled backwards. In the movie “Fantasia”, Disney named the sorcerer “Yen Sid”- the letters of “Disney” reversed.

Facts about Walt Disney 6: Chain-smoking

Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1901. After years of chain-smoking, Disney passed away on December 15, 1966 from lung cancer.

Facts about Walt Disney 7: Walt Disney Company

According to www.tv.com, brothers Walt and Roy Disney, in 1922, began what is now known as the “Walt Disney Company.” After they found success, they bought their parents, Elias and Flora Disney, a new house in Los Angeles. Unbeknownst to them, the house had a faulty heating system. Sadly, Mrs. Disney died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Facts about Walt Disney 8: Disney’s Meal

Walt Disney often spent his lunchtimes seated at his desk. Not because he couldn’t afford to go out and buy his lunch, of course. According to some sources, Disney’s choice meal was chili with beans, tomato juice and soda crackers.

Facts about Walt Disney 9: First Academy Award

Walter Elias Disney won a special Academy Award in 1932 for creating the cartoon character named Mickey Mouse. Following the lovable mouse were Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and a host of other characters.

Facts about Walt Disney 10: Record-Breaking Oscar Award Winner

Walt Disney won a total of 32 Oscar Awards- more than anyone else ever has!- during his 43 year career. He also was nominated 64 times. Disney also won 48 Academy Awards, 7 Emmy Awards, France’s Legion of Honor and Officer D’Adademie, the Presidential Freedom Medal and many more honors and awards for his creative work.

Those who love to watch Mickey Mouse and do picnic to Disneyland may have considered those following facts about Walt Disney really useful. Hope you would find those Walt Disney facts really interesting.