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Roy O. Disney

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Roy O. Disney was a very important leader in the world of entertainment. He helped start the company we now call the Walt Disney Company.

Walt Disney with Company at Press Conference
Walt Disney with Company at Press Conference

While his brother Walt was famous for drawing and stories, Roy focused on the business. He was the first chief executive officer, or CEO, of the company. A CEO is a person who leads a company and makes big decisions. Roy worked to make sure the company had the money it needed to grow. He was a partner in every part of the business. He helped turn a small studio into a huge global name.

Roy's work followed a very clear path. First, he learned about business by working as a bank clerk. He and Walt worked as newspaper delivery boys in Kansas City.

Walt Disney Birthplace Exterior Hermosa Chicago Illinois
Walt Disney Birthplace Exterior Hermosa Chicago Illinois

In October of 1923, the brothers founded the Disney Brothers Studio. Walt handled the creative ideas for cartoons. Roy guided the finances and the business side of things. He became the company's first CEO in 1929. He also served as chairman of the board and president. This teamwork allowed the company to build many things.

Roy's journey began in Chicago, Illinois. He was born on June 24, 1893. His parents were Elias Charles Disney and Flora Call Disney.

Roy O. Disney star, Hollywood Walk of Fame
Roy O. Disney star, Hollywood Walk of Fame

The family moved to Missouri and then to Kansas City. Roy attended the Manual Training High School of Kansas City. He graduated in 1912. Later, he served in the United States Navy from 1917 to 1919. His time in the Navy ended early because of a sickness called tuberculosis. He went to a veterans home in Los Angeles to get better. It was there that Walt visited him to ask for help.

Roy did many big things for the Disney family. After Walt died in 1966, Roy did not retire right away. He stayed to finish a huge project in Florida. He helped build a resort that cost $400 million.

Roy Disney inspecting property in Florida
Roy Disney inspecting property in Florida

He named it Walt Disney World to honor his brother. This park opened on October 1, 1971. Roy retired shortly after the park opened. He died on December 20, 1971, at the age of 78. He was buried in Los Angeles next to his wife, Edna.

Today, many people see Roy's name in famous places. There is a train engine named after him on the Walt Disney World Railroad.

Roy O Disney on track
Roy O Disney on track

You can also find a concert hall named after him in California. A special statue shows Roy sitting on a bench with Minnie Mouse. This statue is in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. There are even statues like this in Tokyo Disneyland. These things remind people of the man who helped run the magic. His son, Roy E. Disney, also worked for the company later on.

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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:Walt Disney Birthplace Exterior Hermosa Chicago Illinois.jpg
Walt Disney Birthplace Exterior Hermosa...
File:Roy Disney inspecting property in Florida.jpg
Roy Disney inspecting property in Florida.jpg
File:Walt Disney with Company at Press Conference.jpg
Walt Disney with Company at Press Conference.jpg
File:Roy O. Disney star, Hollywood Walk of Fame.jpg
Roy O. Disney star, Hollywood Walk of Fame.jpg
File:Roy O Disney on track.jpg
Roy O Disney on track.jpg
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