Posted on 12/16/2009 11:30:18 AM PST by Tatze
Roy Edward Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney whose commitment to his uncle's creative spirit prompted him to mount revolts that led to the unseating of two of the company's chief executives and a revival of the studio's legendary animation unit, has died. He was 79. Disney, who had been battling cancer, died this morning, according to Clifford A. Miller, a spokesman for Disney's company Shamrock Holdings.
Disney toiled for years in the shadow of his famous uncle and his father, Roy O. Disney, who behind the scenes ran the business side of the Walt Disney Co. for his brother. But the quiet man in the cardigan sweaters would emerge as a forceful protector of family traditions.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
RIP
Eisner must make Walt's frozen head spin
.
RIP, Roy.
Sorry to say this, but I am afraid the last restraining shred of family friendly ethic may have left the castle.
Walt Disney is probably spinning in his grave over what his name is now attached to.
almost 44 years to the day his uncle died.
when Iger came in one of his first tasks was to shut down the “straight to video” sequel department AND terminate production on some monstrosity that elton john was associated with.
There might be hope still.
They still have that homosexual weekend to deal with and the drunks on parade wine festival but it is going to take time. Or they will simply go bankrupt or get taken over.
>>In a stinging rebuke, Disney said that Eisner’s leadership had led to the perception of the company as “rapacious, soul-less and always looking for the ‘quick buck’ rather than long-term value.”<<
He had it right.
What was the Elton John project?
yeah, I agree. Disney will never be put back into the Image Walt Disney created.
But they still bank (erroneously) on that image.
I met him in person at Animal Kingdom some years ago on the back side of the big tree. He was very gracious, paused to take a picture, chat with the kids. Come across as a sincerely kind man with none of the "go away your bothering me" attitude that might be expected. I agree that much of the magic is now gone from the Disney brand.
Funny, now that I look up at the bookcase next to my desk I see the picture with him from that day. It was definately the highlight of that trip.
Today all Mouseketeers are shedding Mouseketears. Sad news. I love their animation and am a season pass holder at Disneyland.
That’s Warner Brothers not Disney.
Years ago I heard there was an underground Disney organization newsletter that was frank and open about how crazy the organization had become. Has anyone ever heard that rumor or know someone who has actually seen a copy of this newsletter?
Very sad. I’m a big Disney fan and have lots of Disney history items. I’ll have to watch one of the tribute DVD’s tonight.
That’s so sweet.
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