A teen heartthrob who then became one of the biggest movie stars in the world star, Johnny Depp is a rarity among actors, willing and able to mix swashbuckling leading-man performances with eccentric character roles. Perhaps best known among these parts is the internationally-beloved Captain Jack Sparrow of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Nothing, …
See more
“I always wanted to be a Disney animator, but it was somewhat of an exotic idea,” Andreas Deja says. Exotic because Andreas was born in Gdansk, Poland, and grew up in Germany. “You’d tell your friends and family that your life’s goal was to go to America and work for Disney, and the reaction was, …
See more
“I think I always knew that I’d be an artist,” Carson Van Osten says, “and although I was too young to remember it, my parents told me that I said I wanted to draw cartoons for Walt Disney when I grew up.” And since 1970, Carson Van Osten has done just that. He’s helped bring …
See more
For decades, Disney Ambassadors have been a constant presence around the globe, attending special events, supporting charitable causes, and spreading goodwill. But the long tradition began with a single individual—Julie Reihm Casaletto, the very first Disneyland Ambassador. a personification of Disneyland’s world-famous spirit of friendliness and happiness Julie was born in Galveston, Texas, but the …
See more
Few filmmakers, no matter how successful, can claim to have created an entire universe—much less one that defined generations of young filmgoers—but that’s exactly what George Lucas did with Star Wars, the biggest film phenomenon of its time, and one that continues to make new fans to this day. George Walton Lucas, Jr. grew up …
See more
Few actors prove so dominant a presence that they practically define an entire genre, but Susan Lucci did just that in her four decades portraying Erica Kane on ABC’s fabled soap opera All My Children. It is a role that TV Guide deemed unequivocally the most famous character in the history of daytime television—and it …
See more
Daniel Elfman grew up immersed in movie music. “I could listen to the scores of Max Steiner, Franz Waxman, and Erich Korngold and identify them. I was really proud.” “I could hear something and go, ‘That’s definitely Max Steiner,’ and Nino Rota was huge. I loved playing the game of tuning into a movie on …
See more
When he retired from his role as Executive Chairman of ESPN in May 2014, George Bodenheimer wrapped up a remarkable 33-year career, which began in the company’s mailroom in 1981. Consistent and substantive growth defined George’s career, leading to unprecedented success. His leadership style was simple but effective: empower all employees to take charge of …
See more
In animation art circles, the work of artist, illustrator, and author Eyvind Earle is renowned, revered, and still influential today. That this remarkable and diverse talent came to call The Walt Disney Studios home for nearly a decade of his career is a testament to his talent—and to the artistic vision of Walt Disney himself. …
See more
We’re sorry to report that the celebrated football player, broadcaster, and Disney Legend passed away on August 9, in Connecticut, at the age of 84. “Belief in oneself is one of the most important bricks in building any successful venture,” Gifford once said. And throughout his incomparable career, Gifford demonstrated tremendous success on the playing …
See more
