Walt Disney

Walt Disney was an American animator, film producer, and entrepreneur. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1901. He created Mickey Mouse and founded the Disney company. He built Disneyland, the first major theme park in the world.

Early Life

Disney loved drawing from a young age. He sold his first drawings to neighbors when he was seven. He dropped out of high school to join the Red Cross during World War I. After the war, he started making animated short films.

Big Achievements

Disney created Mickey Mouse in 1928. He produced the first full-length animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. He opened Disneyland in 1955. His company has grown into one of the largest entertainment companies in the world.

Fun Facts

• Disney was fired from a newspaper job for not being creative enough.
• Mickey Mouse was originally going to be named Mortimer Mouse.
• Disney won 22 Academy Awards, more than any other person.

Did You Know?

Disney was told that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs would be a disaster. Critics called it Disney's Folly. Instead, it became a massive hit and changed movies forever.