Another Disney Gone
Roy Disney, Nephew of Walt, Dead at 79
Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney, passed away this week following a bout with stomach cancer in Newport Beach California. Disney worked for the company founded by his uncle and father, Roy O. Disney, since the 1950’s. But, it was his concerns as an investor that may have had the most influence on the fortunes of The Walt Disney Company.
In 1984 Disney believed the company was going in the wrong direction under the leadership of Walt Disney’s son-in-law, Ron Miller. As a result, he resigned his seat on the Board of Directors and led a stockholder revolt that brought in Michael Eisner and Frank Wells to run the Disney company.
But, by 2003, Disney said Eisner also had to go.
Another Revolt = Another Disney Change
Once again in 2003 Roy E. Disney led another revolt when he felt Eisner was leading his uncle’s company in the wrong direction. The 2003 revolt say 45 percent of the shareholders withholding their vote for Eisner’s re-election to the board. By 2005, Eisner resigned as the Chief Executive.
Aside from leading leadership revolts, Roy E. also had some accomplishments in the creative field. First as an editor, screenwriter and producer. Later Disney was the company’s vice chairman and chairman of its animation division which oversaw such movie hits as the 1994 The Lion King.
According to the 2007 Forbes business report, he was also a savvy businessman as Disney’s investments earned him as much as $.13 billion. Roy E. Disney also sported a mustache, which made him look very much like Uncle Walt.
Rest in peace,
Dr. Rus
Dr. Rus has 30+ years experience in the field of communication. He takes this experience, and his passion to encourage others to positively effect their environment, when providing insight and movie reviews. 
