Walt and Roy Disney are the co-founders of the multi-billion dollar conglomerate, The Walt Disney Company, aka Disney.
The Disney brothers were the sons of Elias Charles Disney and Flora Call Disney of Chicago, Illinois. Roy, the eldest among the two, was born on June 24, 1893, whereas Walt was born on December 5, 1901.
Walt and Roy founded the company under the name Disney Brothers Studio on October 16, 1923, in Burbank, California. Disney became a global brand after the introduction of Mickey Mouse in 1928.
After the company was renamed Walt Disney Studio in 1926, Walt became the frontrunner of the studio. He eventually bought his brother Roy's share of the company in 1929. Although Roy lost his title as a co-producer of the company, he still remained an equal partner and went on to serve as the company's CEO, Co-Chairman, and President.
Meanwhile, Walt was a more creative type and was mostly involved with the animation and designing process. He is considered a pioneer in the field of animation.
Walt Disney married Lillian Bounds, an ink artist, in 1925 in Lewiston, Idaho. Together, the couple had two daughters named Sharon Mae Disney and Diane Disney Miller. Likewise, Roy married Edna Francis in 1925 and had four children named Abigail Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, Tim Disney, and Susan Disney Lord.
Walt passed away at the age of 65 on December 5, 1901. He died after a long battle with lung cancer. Roy died on December 20, 1971, after suffering a stroke.
As of 2023, The Walt Disney Company is valued at over $197 billion. The organization also has multiple subsidiaries, including the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Marvel Entertainment, Hulu, 20th Century Studios, Lucasfilm, and ESPN.
