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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An impresario of film and television, Garry Marshall created a vast TV world of long-running and interconnected shows that remain on the air to this day. He was also renowned as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. Garry Kent Marshall was born in the Bronx on November 13, 1934. He studied journalism before joining …
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As a Tony®-, Emmy®-, and Grammy®– winning and Oscar®-nominated director, Julie Taymor has changed the face of Broadway with her innovative direction. Julie was born on December 15, 1952, in Newton, Massachusetts. From an early age she was drawn to the stage, becoming one of the youngest members of the Boston theatrical community. At age 15 …
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One of the best-known media personalities of our time, Oprah Winfrey is a producer, actress, network CEO, and philanthropist. For 25 years she was a daily fixture as host of the award-winning The Oprah Winfrey Show. Oprah Gail Winfrey was born in rural Kosciusko, Mississippi, on January 29, 1954. While studying communications at Tennessee State …
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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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We contacted Mike Gabriel who conceived, storyboarded, did all development pieces, directed, and art directed the Disney motion pictures logo. Here is his answer: “That is the authentic Disney family crest on the flag. It matches the Disney family crest stone plaque that is directly above Sleeping Beauty Castle’s front entrance arch at Disneyland. I …
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