Roy E. Disney, saviour of the mouse, has died aged 79
Wednesday, 16th December 2009 at 21:47
Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney and nephew of Walt Disney, passed away earlier today following a year-long battle with cancer.,
Roy E. Disney 1930 – 2009
Over a 56-year period with The Walt Disney Company, Roy E. Disney twice played a key role in saving it from creative ruin, overseeing a new golden age of animation that included Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, pushing with all his energy the need to preserve Disney’s historic legacy whilst looking to the future, embracing new technology to revitalise Disney tradition.
D23, the official community for Disney fans, just published a look back at his life and his legacy.
Roy’s resignation from the Disney board of directors in 1984, following his unhappiness with the company’s lack of direction, triggered a series of developments which saw the arrival of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells to revitalise the company and — of course — put together the most lavish magic kingdom the world has ever seen. A shining example of Roy’s constant push to maintain Disney values. A place that would have even blown his Uncle Walt away.
For keeping tradition; For looking ahead. Thank you, Roy.
Never miss Disneyland Paris news: Follow on Twitter • Like on Facebook
Related Disneyland Paris stories
-
Prince Caspian: Nighttime launch events bring Narnia to Fantasyland 25 Jun
-
Disney in ice! Disneyland Paris sets the theme for Bruges Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival 29 Nov
-
Jack Sparrow audio animatronics to finally join Pirates of the Caribbean for 20th Anniversary! 7 May
-
Bolt premiere brings stars both familiar and furry 18 Jan
-
Corbin Bleu closes High School Musical On Tour’s first season in Paris 17 Oct
-
Confirmed: Spider-Man to make first Disney park appearance at Walt Disney Studios Paris 15 Apr
-
Video: Final HSM On Tour, rides & interview with Corbin Bleu at Walt Disney Studios 20 Oct
-
WALL-E advertising and the words of WALL-E 7 Aug
More Disneyland Paris news
-
Toy Story Play Days are bringing Bo Peep back to Disneyland Paris 17 Jun
-
Phantom Manor re-opening date set for 3rd May following prolonged refurbishment 13 Apr
-
The Lion King and Jungle shows and summer festival details confirmed 25 Jan
-
Future Marvel land heroes revealed in new Disneyland Paris concept art 10 Dec
-
Catherine Powell to leave Disneyland Paris for new Parks & Resorts promotion 22 Mar
-
Disney Parks tease upcoming Marvel lands: Paris confirmed for 2020 onwards 20 Mar
Comments
Very sad to hear that he died
He was a true ‘Mouse’ through and through – thank-you for our spectucular Park
One less person to push TWDC towards quality rather than cost cutting and short term Stock price while hurting the business in the medium to long term.
I saw him when Disneyland was 5 years old. for me and most of the fans
Roy WAS WALT.
he sure will be mist.
I had the great oppurtunity to meet and shake hands with mr. Roy Disney at the tower of Space Mountain, when I worked there. He was open and friendly, not a protocol kinda person and really interested in this great rollercoaster machine which was unique for Disney that time. I am honoured that I have this great memory and so I hope that he may rest in peace.
Dear Roy….
We’ll sure miss him, and be grateful..
He now got the peace and rest that he desurved!
He died one day Walt, as if it was meant to be!
We thank you…. We sure do..
I feel that a statue of Roy Disney should be placed outside the Art of Disney Animation Building simular to the one in Magic Kingdom in Florida where he is sitting on a bench next to a disney character as he was very involved in animation and Creativity across the whole Disney company especially the Studio and Parks operations.
what a shame? I’m a former castmember and met him on serveral occasions.a true impersonnation of all values the walt disney compagny stands for.
thanx for all your great work.say hi to walt up there
r.i.p
Studio 1, completely agree. That statue is his father, Roy O. Disney, and dedications to them both would feel very at home in Walt Disney Studios/Toon Studio. I hope this happens in the future.
In fact, this brings up another point – Roy (E.) is obviously featured in the introduction to Art of Disney Animation, albeit dubbed into French. Just brings home how sad it is to lose the last “Disney” who was truly active within the company…
Oh that´s so saaaaad!
aaww thats so sad! =[