Roy O. Disney (1893

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Biography

Roy Oliver Disney was an American entrepreneur. He co-founded with his younger brother Walt what is now the Walt Disney Company in October of 1923. Disney also served as the company's first chief executive officer and was the father of Roy E. Disney.

Timeline

The story of Roy O. Disney, told in moments.

1923 Event

While recovering from tuberculosis at a veterans' home in Los Angeles, Walt showed up late one night with a business proposition. Roy left the hospital the next morning. They founded the Disney Brothers Studio together. His tuberculosis never returned.

How did Walt persuade you to leave the hospital? Was founding the Disney Brothers Studio terrifying or exciting? Did your tuberculosis scare make you bolder?

1929 Life

Handled the finances while Walt handled the art. The arrangement held for 43 years. Roy turned Walt's creative ambitions into a profitable business, securing loans and managing investors when animation nearly bankrupted them.

What kept you handling the money while Walt got the glory? Did you ever resent being the business half? How many times did animation nearly bankrupt you?

1966 Event

Walt died of lung cancer. Roy, already planning retirement at 73, postponed it to finish his brother's final project. He spent the next five years overseeing construction of Walt Disney World in Florida.

How did Walt's death change everything? Was postponing retirement at 73 obligation or devotion? Did building Disney World feel like talking to your brother?

1971 Death

Died two months after Walt Disney World's grand opening. He'd insisted it be named "Walt Disney World," not just "Disney World." He wanted everyone to remember it was his brother's dream. He was 78.

Why insist it be called 'Walt Disney World'? Did living just two months past the opening feel complete? What would Walt say about what you built?

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