Roy Oliver Disney, born on June 24, 1893, in Chicago, Illinois, was a man of profound influence often overshadowed by his younger brother, Walt Disney. The Disney family’s move to Marceline, Missouri, and later to Kansas City in 1911, set the stage for Roy and Walt’s industrious journey. As newspaper delivery boys for The Kansas City Star, the brothers’ early experiences laid the foundation for their understanding of business and customer service. Roy’s academic journey culminated with his graduation from the Manual Training High School of Kansas City in 1912. He briefly worked on a farm before joining the First National Bank of Kansas City as a bank clerk. His life took a dramatic turn when he served in the United States Navy from 1917 to 1919, only to be discharged due to contracting tuberculosis.
Building the Disney Empire
Roy’s setback with tuberculosis propelled him to join forces with Walt in Hollywood in 1923, marking the beginning of an iconic partnership that revolutionized the entertainment industry. The Disney brothers founded Disney Brothers Studio, with Roy managing the business side of operations, complementing Walt’s creative genius. Roy’s financial acumen was crucial in navigating the company through its nascent stages. In 1929, he became the company’s first CEO, playing a pivotal role in its growth and in the creation of Disney World, which he dedicated to Walt after his brother’s death in 1966.
Personal Life and Values
Roy’s personal life was as rich as his professional one. He married Edna Francis in April 1925, and they had a son, Roy Edward Disney, who would later become vice chairman of The Walt Disney Company. Roy’s commitment to family values was evident in how he spent time with his grandchildren at Disneyland, teaching them the importance of humility and respect for all work. He would greet each employee by name and pick up trash off the ground, imparting the lesson that “nobody is too good to pick up trash.” This philosophy was a testament to his belief in the dignity of all work and the importance of humility.
Legacy and Impact on Future Generations
Roy’s dedication to family and company was matched by his philanthropy and community involvement. He was a benefactor of the California Institute of the Arts and a Freemason for many years. His death on December 20, 1971, marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through numerous tributes, including the Walt Disney World Railroad No. 4 Roy O. Disney locomotive and the Roy O. Disney Concert Hall.
Roy’s personal philosophy of humility and service left an indelible mark on his descendants. His son, Roy Edward Disney, continued his legacy by serving as vice chairman of The Walt Disney Company and revitalizing the company’s animation division. Roy’s granddaughter, Abigail Disney, has become a philanthropist and political activist, advocating for social justice and economic equality. Inspired by her grandfather’s values, Abigail produced the documentary “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” highlighting the plight of workers and the growing economic inequality in America. This film serves as a platform to advocate for fair wealth distribution and to remind us of Roy’s enduring message: “Nobody is too good to pick up trash.”
Roy O. Disney was a visionary leader whose humility and dedication to family values left a lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company and the world. His life story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining one’s principles in the face of success. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, Roy’s simple yet powerful message remains as relevant as ever, challenging us to reflect on our values and the legacy we wish to leave behind.
