Challenges in the Life of Walt Disney in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Walt Disney. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Walt Disney was a highly influential American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur who revolutionized the animation industry. He holds the record for the most Academy Awards and nominations. His groundbreaking work led to the creation of iconic films and characters, many of which have been recognized for their cultural and artistic significance, earning places in the National Film Registry and AFI's list of greatest films.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

January 1920: Laid off from Pesmen-Rubin

In January 1920, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks were laid off from Pesmen-Rubin. They subsequently started their own business, Iwerks-Disney Commercial Artists.

1923: Bankruptcy of Laugh-O-Gram Studio

In 1923, Laugh-O-Gram Studio went into bankruptcy after the completion of "Alice's Wonderland".

February 1928: Loss of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

In February 1928, Walt Disney lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and most of his animation staff after a dispute with Charles Mintz.

1930: Disney urged Iwerks to abandon drawing every frame individually.

In 1930, Walt Disney tried to trim costs by urging Ub Iwerks to abandon the practice of drawing every frame individually in favor of a more efficient technique. He also asked for an increase in payment for cartoons, but was refused and Iwerks was signed to work for Powers.

October 1931: Walt Disney's nervous breakdown

In October 1931, Walt Disney had a nervous breakdown, which he blamed on the machinations of Powers and his own overwork. He and Lillian took a holiday to Cuba and a cruise to Panama to recover.

1940: Release of Pinocchio and Fantasia

In 1940, 'Pinocchio' and 'Fantasia' were released, and neither performed well at the box office.

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February 1941: Studio Debt

By the end of February 1941, the studio was deeply in debt due to the financial performance of Pinocchio and Fantasia.

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1941: Response to Cartoonist Strike

In 1941, Walt Disney paid for a full-page ad in Variety claiming that "Communistic agitation" was responsible for a cartoonist strike against him.

1941: Animators' Strike and Dumbo Release

In 1941, heavy salary cuts led to an animators' strike that lasted five weeks. The strike temporarily interrupted the studio's next production, Dumbo, which was produced in a simple and inexpensive manner; the film received a positive reaction from audiences and critics alike.

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August 1942: Release of Bambi

In August 1942, the feature film 'Bambi' was released, but underperformed at the box office, losing $200,000.

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1944: Studio Debt

In 1944, the company had debts of $4 million with the Bank of America.

November 1966: Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer

In early November 1966, Walt Disney was diagnosed with lung cancer and received cobalt therapy. On November 30, 1966, he was taken to St. Joseph Hospital.