Roy Edward Disney.

Roy Edward Disney was born on January 10, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, to Edna and Roy O. Disney, the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company. As a child, he was surrounded by the animation industry. He attended Pomona College, where he developed an interest in film production. This background led him to his lifelong career at Disney.

In 1954, Disney started as an assistant film editor on the True-Life Adventure series. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 1967 and returned as vice chairman and head of the animation department in 1984. He supported films like The Little Mermaid 1989 and Fantasia 2000, helping to revive Disney animation. In 1998, CEO Michael Eisner surprised him with the Disney Legends Award. His tenure ended in 2003 when he resigned, denouncing Eisner’s management.

Roy Edward Disney married Patricia Ann Dailey on September 17, 1955; they divorced in 2007. He later married Leslie DeMeuse in 2008, and they remained married until his death in 2009. He had four children: Abigail Disney, Susan Disney, Roy P. Disney, and Tim Disney. His daughter Abigail is a documentary filmmaker and philanthropist. He was the nephew of Walt Disney and cousin to Diane Disney.

Roy Edward Disney revived Disney animation beginning with The Little Mermaid in 1989. His 2003 resignation letter criticized CEO Michael Eisner and led to shareholder unrest, contributing to Eisner’s departure in 2005. He received the Disney Legends Award in 1998 and was posthumously made a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. His most lasting legacy is the revival of Disney’s feature animation division, restoring its creative and commercial success.