By Zach Johnson “I am deeply honored and so very proud to be named a Disney Legend,” says Barnette Ricci, one of 12 remarkable people who were inducted August 23 at D23 Expo 2019. “And this is going to be especially exciting for me because I used to direct the Disney Legends ceremonies!” Ricci actually …
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Acclaimed voice actor and Disney Legend Russi Taylor passed away in Glendale, California, on July 26, 2019. She was 75. Through countless effervescent performances, Russi always showed an incredible talent for entertaining and improvisation. While she brought to life an illustrious cast of beloved characters during a career that spanned nearly four decades, Russi is …
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By D23 Team Disney Legend Tim Conway, who starred in such beloved Disney classics as The Apple Dumpling Gang, The Shaggy D.A., Gus, and The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, passed away today in Los Angeles. He was 85. Often paired with funnyman Don Knotts, the duo inspired the kind of belly laughs reminiscent of …
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Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith passed away in Burbank, California, on February 15, 2019. He was 78. Dave dedicated his four-decade career at The Walt Disney Company to preserving Disney’s precious treasures from film, television, theme parks, and beyond. Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Dave was beloved by fans around the world for …
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By D23 Team Today, Marvel Comics and The Walt Disney Company pause and reflect with great sadness on the passing of its Marvel Chairman Emeritus, Stan Lee. With a heavy heart, we share our deepest condolences with his daughter and brother, and we honor and remember the creator, voice and champion of Marvel Comics. “Stan …
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Disney Legend Xavier “X” Atencio, a former Imagineer and Disney animator, passed away on September 10 at the age of 98. X was responsible for helping bring to life a number of beloved Disney parks attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, as well as such animated classics as Pinocchio and Fantasia. Born …
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Legendary Disney Imagineer Martin A. “Marty” Sklar passed away in his Hollywood Hills home on Thursday. He was 83. During an illustrious career spanning 54 years, Marty worked closely with Walt Disney and was instrumental in creating, enhancing and expanding Disney’s creative vision. Named a Disney Legend in 2001, he is best remembered and revered …
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By D23 Team We’re sad to report that international film distribution pioneer and Disney Legend Harry Archinal passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at the age of 88. D23 spoke with Dave Smith, Walt Disney Archives founder and former chief archivist, who said of his fellow Disney Legend: “I worked with Harry until he retired …
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By D23 Team Tyrus “Ty” Wong, inspiring visual artist and Disney Legend, passed away on December 30, 2016. He was 106 years old. “It’s hard to imagine a world of animation without the inspirational works of Tyrus Wong,” Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline said. “Through his delicate and sophisticated creations—from pastels and watercolors to …
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by D23 Team Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway, longtime Disney Parks press and publicity leader, passed away on December 24, 2016, at his home in Longwood, Florida. He was 93. “I had the pleasure of knowing Charlie Ridgway, and he was a true Disney Legend who was known for his boundless creativity,” Walt Disney World Resort …
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