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Roy O. Disney

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Roy Oliver Disney was a vital American entrepreneur. He helped build one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. While his brother Walt was the creative leader, Roy was the business leader. He co-founded the Walt Disney Company in October of 1923. He served as the company's first chief executive officer, or CEO. A CEO is the person who manages the daily operations of a business. Roy was an equal partner in every part of their production company. He focused on the finances and the business side of the studio.

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

Roy's early life provided a foundation for his business skills. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 24, 1893. His parents were Elias Charles Disney and Flora Call Disney.

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

The family eventually moved to Kansas City, Missouri. In 1911, Roy and Walt worked as newspaper delivery boys. They delivered papers to about 700 customers for The Kansas City Times. They also delivered to more than 600 customers for The Kansas City Star. Roy graduated from Manual Training High School in 1912. He later worked as a bank clerk at the First National Bank of Kansas City. This job gave him experience with money and professional management.

His career path took a major turn due to his health. Roy served in the United States Navy from 1917 to 1919. During his service, he contracted tuberculosis, which is a serious illness. He was honorably discharged from the Navy because of this sickness. In October of 1923, Roy was recovering at the Sawtelle Veterans Home in Los Angeles. While he was there, Walt visited him late at night. Walt had secured a deal with a distributor named Margaret Winkler. He asked Roy to help him start a cartoon studio. Roy agreed and left the hospital the very next morning. He never suffered another relapse of the illness.

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

The brothers founded the Disney Brothers Studio in October of 1923. Their partnership had a very specific structure. Walt led the creative side, focusing on animation and stories. Roy guided the business side, managing the company's finances. Roy became the company's first CEO in 1929. He also held several other high-ranking positions. He shared the role of chairman of the board with Walt starting in 1945. He also became the company president around that same time. He held the presidency until 1968, when he passed it to Donn Tatum. In 1960, Walt stepped down as chairman to focus on creativity.

Roy's dedication was most evident after Walt's death in 1966. Walt died from lung cancer on December 15, 1966. Instead of retiring, Roy postponed his retirement to finish a massive project. He oversaw the construction of a large resort in Florida. This project was known as Disney World. The resort cost $400 million to build. Roy managed the project so that it had no additional debt. He eventually named it Walt Disney World as a tribute to his brother. The resort officially opened on October 1, 1971.

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

Roy lived a relatively private life despite his success. He married Edna Francis in April 1925, and they remained married until his death. He often rejected the fame that came with being Walt's brother. He died from a stroke on December 20, 1971, at age 78. He was buried in Los Angeles next to Edna. His son, Roy Edward Disney, followed in his footsteps. Roy E. Disney later served as the vice chairman of the Walt Disney Company.

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

Today, Roy's legacy is visible in many places around the world. His name is honored on the Walt Disney World Railroad with a locomotive named after him.

Roy O Disney on track
Roy O Disney on track

There is also a Roy O. Disney Concert Hall in California. In the Magic Kingdom, a statue called "Sharing the Magic" shows Roy sitting on a bench with Minnie Mouse. This statue exists in Florida, California, and Tokyo Disneyland. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These tributes recognize his role in making the company's magic possible.

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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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