Roy O. Disney

Roy O. Disney
Roy O. Disney
Born	Roy Oliver Disney; Template:Birth date; Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	December 20, 1971 (aged 78); Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Businessman
Years active	1923–1971
Known for	Co-founder and first CEO of the Walt Disney Company
Notable work	Co-founder of Walt Disney Company

Roy Oliver Disney (June 24, 1893 – December 20, 1971) was an American businessman recognized for co-founding the Walt Disney Company alongside his younger sibling, Walt Disney. He held the position of the company's inaugural CEO and was the father of Roy E. Disney.

Early life

Born in Chicago, Illinois on June 24, 1893, Roy was the son of Elias Charles Disney, of Irish-Canadian descent, and Flora Call Disney, who had English and German-American roots. The family relocated first to Marceline, Missouri and later to Kansas City in 1911.

That same year, Elias acquired a newspaper delivery route for The Kansas City Star. Roy and Walt took on roles as paperboys for both The Kansas City Times and The Kansas City Star, collectively serving over 1,300 customers.

In 1912, Roy graduated from Kansas City's Manual Training High School. After ending his paper route duties, he spent summers working on a farm and subsequently took a bank clerk position at the First National Bank of Kansas City alongside his brother Raymond Arnold Disney.

His military service included a stint in the United States Navy from 1917 until 1919; however, he received an honorable discharge after contracting tuberculosis during his tenure.

While recuperating from tuberculosis at the Sawtelle Veterans Home in Los Angeles in October 1923, Walt visited Roy to seek assistance with launching a cartoon studio. Following Walt’s successful negotiation of a distribution agreement with Margaret Winkler in New York, Roy committed to joining the venture—leaving the hospital early the following day and never experiencing a relapse.

Walt Disney Productions

In October 1923, Roy and Walt established the Disney Brothers Studio. Unlike Max and Dave Fleischer of Fleischer Studios, Roy was not merely a co-producer but an equal partner who concentrated on managing business operations and finances while Walt directed creative efforts.

Roy assumed the role of the company's first CEO in 1929, with the official title granted in 1966. Beginning in 1945, he shared chairman responsibilities with Walt and later succeeded him as president until 1968 when Donn Tatum succeeded him. Walt stepped down as chairman in 1960 to dedicate himself fully to creative projects. After Walt’s passing in 1966, Roy deferred retirement to oversee the development of Disney World, successfully opening the $400 million resort without incurring debt in 1971 and naming it Walt Disney World as a tribute.

Personal life

In April 1925, Roy married Edna Francis. Edna was employed at The Kansas City Times and introduced close acquaintances who became lifelong family supporters. Their son, Roy Edward Disney (born January 10, 1930), eventually served as vice chairman of the Walt Disney Company. Despite his brother’s public prominence, Roy Oliver Disney maintained a low profile. His nephew Charles Elias Disney honored him by naming his son Charles Roy Disney. Roy was also a Freemason for many years before choosing to resign his membership.

Death

Following the inauguration of Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971, Roy retired but passed away due to a stroke at age 78 on December 20, 1971—just five days after marking the fifth anniversary of his younger brother's death. He was laid to rest beside his wife Edna at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) in Los Angeles.

Legacy

One locomotive on the Walt Disney World Railroad was named in honor of Roy. On June 6, 2002, this locomotive was rededicated by his son Roy E. Disney. In September 2016, it took part in its centennial celebration organized by the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society.

Additionally, one of the three locomotives on the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad carries his name, continuing the tradition of naming engines after former presidents of the Walt Disney Company.

The Roy O. Disney Concert Hall serves as the principal venue for performances at the Herb Alpert School of Music within the California Institute of the Arts, commemorating his philanthropic contributions.

Sharing the Magic, a statue portraying Disney seated alongside Minnie Mouse, was unveiled in October 1999 as a companion piece to the Partners statue featuring Walt and Mickey Mouse. Situated in Town Square at Magic Kingdom within Walt Disney World Resort, replicas are also displayed outside the Team Disney building in Burbank and at Tokyo Disneyland’s World Bazaar. The top floor of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel includes the Roy O. Disney Suite.

In the 2014 film Walt Before Mickey, Roy O. Disney was portrayed by actor Jon Heder.

External links