Roy E. Disney Passes Away

BURBANK: Roy Edward Disney, who helped revitalize the animation division of the company founded by his uncle, Walt Disney, has passed away at the age of 79.

The son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney passed away yesterday at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California, following a year-long battle with stomach cancer.

He was associated with The Walt Disney Company for more than 50 years, during which time he often clashed with the media firm’s executives; in 2004, he helped to engineer the ousting of then chairman and CEO, Michael Eisner.

From 1984 to 2003 Disney was the vice chairman of the company’s board of directors, and chairman of its animation department. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant. In his years leading Disney Animation, the studio released such successes as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. He also executive produced Fantasia/2000, a sequel to the 1940 Disney classic.

Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, "On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney. He was much more than a valued 56-year company veteran—Roy’s true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle. Roy’s commitment to the art of animation was unparalleled and will always remain his personal legacy and one of his greatest contributions to Disney’s past, present and future."

John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, added, "I first met Roy when I was still an animation student at CalArts. Not only did I consider him a personal friend, but he was a great man who believed deeply in the art of animation. He put his heart and soul into preserving Disney’s legendary past, while helping to move the art of animation into the modern age by embracing new technology. Roy was a visionary and passionate supporter of the art form, and he was all about quality. I was always impressed that he would make time for someone like me when I was fresh out of college, and he continued to support and encourage me throughout my career."

Disney is survived by his wife, Leslie, four children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney—Tim Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, Abigail Disney and Susan Disney Lord—and 16 grandchildren.