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Walter Elias Disney (1901-1966) was a creative man whose successful career was
conjured up from the world of fantasy. In reality, The Walt Disney Company stands as
being the second largest "media conglomerate" in the world today, according to
Answers.com. The company's assets include movies, music, radio, television, TV
studios, theme parks and resorts. Here are 10 interesting facts about Walt Disney:
1. He Wasn't Adopted, But "Disney" Is Not Walt's Real Last 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 plan a trip to Disney World, don't you think?
2. Disney Never Got to See It, But...
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. An interesting fact about Walt Disney is that he was honored
by having his picture on a six-cent United States commemorative postage stamp that
was issued September 11, 1968.
3. Walt Disney's Body Is Frozen in a Cryonics Chamber
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.
4. Walt Disney Didn't Graduate From High School
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.
5. Walt Disney Sometimes Used 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.
It's said that when Disney was searching for land to build a theme park on, he used the
name "M.T. Lott" so potential sellers wouldn't hike prices up on him, knowing he was
rich.
6. Another Interesting Fact About Walt Disney...
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.
7. A Gift of Love Turned to TragedyAccording 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.
8. Walt Disney's Favorite Meal
Another interesting fact about Walt Disney is that he 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 About.com, Disney's choice meal was chili with beans, tomato juice and
soda crackers.
9. Disney's 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.
10. Disney Was a 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.
