Lasting Legacy of Walt Disney: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Walt Disney—a timeline of influence.

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

1938: Reference in 'The Holy Terror'

In 1938, H. G. Wells referenced Walt Disney in his novel 'The Holy Terror', where the World Dictator Rud fears that Donald Duck is meant to lampoon him.

The Holy Terror

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1955: Man of the Year by B'nai B'rith

In 1955, Walt Disney was named "Man of the Year" by the B'nai B'rith chapter in Beverly Hills for exemplifying American citizenship and inter-group understanding.

February 1960: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction

In February 1960, Walt Disney was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with two stars, one for motion pictures and the other for television work.

December 15, 1966: Walt Disney's Death

On December 15, 1966, Walt Disney passed away. He left behind a significant legacy in the American animation industry and film production.

May 24, 1968: Congressional Gold Medal

On May 24, 1968, Walt Disney was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

1968: Posthumous Academy Award for Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day

In 1968, after Disney's death, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day earned him a posthumous Academy Award in the Short Subject (Cartoon) category.

1971: Publication of 'Para leer al Pato Donald'

In 1971, Ariel Dorfman and Armand Mattelart published 'Para leer al Pato Donald' (How to Read Donald Duck), which identified "imperialist values" concealed behind the façade of Walt Disney's world.

PARA LEER AL PATO DONALD (Spanish Edition)

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1971: Dedication of Walt Disney World

In 1971, Roy Disney dedicated Walt Disney World to his brother Walt at the inauguration.

1978: Mickey Mouse's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1978, Mickey Mouse was given his own star for motion pictures on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1980: Minor Planet Named After Disney

In 1980, minor planet 4017 Disneya, discovered by astronomer Lyudmila Karachkina, was named after Walt Disney.

1982: Opening of Epcot Center

In 1982, Walt Disney World expanded with the opening of Epcot Center, a park that shifted away from Walt Disney's original vision of a functional city toward a more permanent world's fair concept.

1986: Television Hall of Fame Induction

In 1986, Walt Disney was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.

1989: Beginning of the "Disney Renaissance" with The Little Mermaid

In 1989, The Little Mermaid marked the beginning of the "Disney Renaissance," reversing a previous trend of declining quality in animated films after Disney's death.

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1995: Portrayal in 'A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story'

In 1995, Walt Disney was portrayed by Len Cariou in the made-for-TV film 'A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story'.

1998: AFI's 100 Greatest American Films List

In 1998, the American Film Institute included 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' and 'Fantasia' in its list of the 100 greatest American films.

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2001: Publication of 'Der König von Amerika'

In 2001, German author Peter Stephan Jungk published 'Der König von Amerika', a fictional work reimagining Disney's later years as a power-hungry racist.

2005: Disneyland's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2005, Disneyland received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

December 2006: California Hall of Fame Induction

In December 2006, Walt Disney was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

2009: Opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum

In 2009, the Walt Disney Family Museum, designed by Disney's daughter Diane and her son Walter E. D. Miller, opened in the Presidio of San Francisco, showcasing artifacts from Disney's life and career.

2013: Portrayal in 'Saving Mr. Banks' and 'The Perfect American'

In 2013, Walt Disney was portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film 'Saving Mr. Banks', and Philip Glass adapted Peter Stephan Jungk's book 'Der König von Amerika' into the opera 'The Perfect American'.