Talking Disney With The Artists Who Knew Him

Frank Thomas

Frank Thomas was one of the Nine Old Men, a group of legendary animators who worked closely with Walt Disney. He animated some of the most iconic Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Snow White, and Bambi.

"Walt Disney was a great leader," Thomas said. "He was always inspiring us to do our best work. He had a way of making us believe that we could achieve anything."

Thomas also recalled Disney's unwavering passion for animation. "He loved animation," Thomas said. "He believed in its power to entertain and inspire."

Ollie Johnston

Ollie Johnston was another member of the Nine Old Men. He animated some of the most memorable scenes in Disney films, including the underwater sequence in Fantasia and the flying sequence in Peter Pan.

"Walt Disney was a genius," Johnston said. "He had a unique ability to see the world through the eyes of a child. He understood what made children laugh and cry."

Johnston also praised Disney's ability to create memorable characters. "Walt Disney had a gift for creating characters that people could relate to," Johnston said. "He knew how to make them funny, lovable, and inspiring."

Marc Davis

Marc Davis was one of Disney's most versatile animators. He animated characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to One Hundred and One Dalmatians. He also designed some of the most iconic Disney theme park attractions, including the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

"Walt Disney was a visionary," Davis said. "He could see the future of animation. He knew that it had the potential to be a powerful force for good in the world."

Davis also recalled Disney's love of nature. "Walt Disney loved animals," Davis said. "He believed that they could teach us a lot about ourselves."

Les Clark

Les Clark was another one of the Nine Old Men. He animated some of the most iconic Disney characters, including Pinocchio, Dumbo, and Bambi.

"Walt Disney was a great mentor," Clark said. "He taught us the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance."

Clark also recalled Disney's sense of humor. "Walt Disney loved to laugh," Clark said. "He could always find the humor in any situation."

Mary Blair

Mary Blair was one of Disney's most influential concept artists. Her work helped to define the look of many classic Disney films, including Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan.

"Walt Disney was a great collaborator," Blair said. "He was always open to new ideas. He knew that the best results came from working together."

Blair also recalled Disney's love of color. "Walt Disney loved color," Blair said. "He knew how to use it to create a mood and to tell a story."