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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Carrie Fisher will be instantly recognizable for her iconic performance as Princess Leia in the Star Wars saga. But throughout her career Carrie took on many roles—as an actress, author, playwright, screenwriter, and advocate for mental health awareness. Carrie was born on October 21, 1956, the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds. …
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You remember the scenes—a terrifying nighttime flight from the Headless Horseman, a romantic spaghetti dinner behind Tony’s Restaurant, and a remarkably Mad Tea Party. These and many other instantly recognizable moments from Disney’s animation history were created under the supervision of Clyde Geronimi. Amid the Italian Alps in the town of Chiavenna, Clito Enrico Geronimi …
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As an award-winning actress, producer, and talk-show host, Whoopi Goldberg is one of the most prolific entertainers currently working in the industry. Whoopi was born on November 13, 1955, in New York City. After dropping out of high school and struggling to make ends meet working odd jobs, she decided to move to California to …
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For nearly 40 years, Manuel Gonzales brought Mickey Mouse to newspapers nationwide. At its peak, his Mickey Mouse-starring comic strips appeared in 120 newspapers around the world with a collective circulation of more than 20 million readers each week. Manuel was born on March 13, 1913, in Cabana, Spain. His family moved to Cuba when …
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For an entire generation of filmgoers, there has been no greater hero than Luke Skywalker. And behind the robes of the aspiring Jedi was an actor who would become an iconic part of the great Star Wars legacy: Mark Hamill. Born in Oakland, California, on September 25, 1951, Mark was the son of a Navy …
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Wayne Jackson began his career as an Imagineer in October 1965, and in the decades that followed he would put his technical skill and know-how to great use in the development and installation of Disney attractions around the world. Wayne was the first employee of MAPO—Walt Disney Imagineering’s manufacturing and production arm. Originally trained in …
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The work of Jack Kirby helped define the Super Hero, expanded the power of the comic book, and brought thrilling tales of wonder and adventure to millions throughout the world. Jacob Kurtzberg was born in 1917, the son of European Jewish immigrants. He grew up in New York’s Lower East Side neighborhood during the Great …
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Excelsior! It is the familiar rallying cry of Stan Lee, one of the most prolific and legendary comic creators of all time. In his more than seven decades in the industry, Stan has dreamed up an endless number of new characters and worlds, and brought readers an all-star roster of heroes and villains. Stanley Martin …
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