| Roy O. Disney | |
|---|---|
| Image:Walt and Roy.jpg with his brother Walt |
|
| Born | June 24 1893 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | December 20 1971 (aged 78) Burbank, California |
| Spouse | Edna Francis (1925-1971) |
| Children | Roy Edward Disney (b.1930) |
Roy Oliver Disney (June 24, 1893–December 20, 1971) was, with his younger brother Walt Disney, co-founder of what is now The Walt Disney Company. Roy served as the company's chief executive officer (CEO) (1929–1971)-though title name wasn't given until 1968-, president (1945–1971), and chairman (1966–1971). Roy was born to Elias Disney and the former Flora Call in Chicago, Illinois. He married Edna Francis in April 1925, and from this marriage he is the father of Roy Edward Disney, who was born on January 10, 1930. While Walt was the creative man, Roy was the one who made sure the company was financially stable; Roy and Walt both founded Disney Studios as brothers, but Walt would buy out most of Roy's share in 1929 and, unlike Max and Dave Fleischer of rival Fleischer Studios, was not a producer. After Walt Disney's death, Roy made sure that Disney World would be completed and renamed it Walt Disney World in order to make sure that no one would forget his brother. After Walt Disney World opened in October 1971, Roy Disney finally retired. He died from a stroke at home two months later, age 78. A statue of Roy O. Disney, seated on a park bench beside Minnie Mouse, is located in Town Square at the Magic Kingdom.
| Preceded by First CEO |
Disney CEOs 1968–1971 |
Succeeded by Donn Tatum |
| Preceded by Walt Disney |
Disney Presidents 1945–1968 |
Succeeded by Donn Tatum |
| Preceded by Walt Disney |
Disney Chairmen 1964–1971 |
Succeeded by Donn Tatum |
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