Roy Disney Net Worth

Roy Disney’s Net Worth: A Legacy Beyond Billions

Roy E. Disney, a name synonymous with the magic of Disney, left behind not only a vast fortune but also a significant impact on the entertainment industry. As the son of Roy O. Disney and nephew of Walt Disney, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory over several decades. This article delves into Roy Disney’s net worth, his career, his involvement in key decisions, and his lasting legacy.

Early Life and Family Ties

Roy Edward Disney was born on January 10, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. His lineage was deeply rooted in the foundation of the Walt Disney Company. His father, Roy O. Disney, was the older brother and business partner of the legendary Walt Disney. Roy E. Disney’s upbringing was intertwined with the growth of the company, and his early exposure to the entertainment world undoubtedly shaped his future career. He attended Pomona College, graduating in 1951. Following graduation, he embarked on his professional journey with Walt Disney Productions, starting as a producer and assistant director. His early roles provided invaluable experience and insight into the inner workings of the company.

A Complex Career at Disney

Roy Disney’s career at Disney was marked by periods of both triumph and turmoil. He served on the board of directors, eventually becoming Chairman in the late 1960s. However, his tenure was not without its challenges. A disagreement over the direction of the company led to his departure from the Chairman role in 1977 and his complete exit from the board in 1984. During this time, he played a part in bringing Michael Eisner on board as Chairman, which initially proved successful. Despite this, the relationship soured in later years.

In addition to his executive roles, Roy Disney was also actively involved in the creative aspects of the company. He directed the 1973 film “Mustang” and five episodes of “The Magical World of Disney” between 1973 and 1976. He also produced seven episodes of “The Magical World of Disney” from 1966 to 1976. He amassed a substantial portfolio of production credits, including the films “Pacific High” (1980), “Cheetah” (1989), “Fantasia 2000” (1999), and “Morning Light” (2008), along with TV movies like “Cristobalito, the Calypso Colt” (1970), “The Flight of the Grey Wolf” (1976), and “Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue” (1990). His contributions extended to shorts like “Destino” (2003) and “The Little Matchgirl” (2006). His creative input was instrumental in shaping various projects.

He later returned to the company as vice chairman and chairman of the animation department, playing a key role in the Disney Renaissance. His total net worth at the time of his death in December 2009 was an estimated $1.2 billion.

Disney Shares and Ownership

At the time of his death, Roy Disney held a significant stake in the Walt Disney Company. He owned approximately 16 million shares, representing about 1% of the total shares outstanding. While this was a substantial holding, it’s interesting to compare it to other significant shareholders. For instance, after Disney acquired Pixar in January 2006, Steve Jobs became the largest individual shareholder with 7% of the total outstanding shares. This acquisition made Jobs a more prominent shareholder than Michael Eisner, the longtime CEO, who held 1.7%, and Roy Disney’s 1%.

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Championing the Disney Renaissance

One of the most impactful periods in Disney’s history was the “Disney Renaissance,” which began in the late 1980s and continued through the 1990s. During this time, the company released a string of highly successful animated films that revitalized the brand and captivated audiences worldwide. Roy Disney played an instrumental role in this era. Films such as “The Lion King” (1994), which grossed nearly $1 billion at the box office, were central to this resurgence. This era solidified Disney’s position as a leader in animated filmmaking.

However, tensions arose within the company. Roy Disney was concerned that Jeffrey Katzenberg, who served as Chairman from 1984 to 1994, might receive undue credit for the company’s successes. Following the death of Frank Wells in a 1994 plane crash, Michael Eisner’s refusal to promote Katzenberg led to Katzenberg’s resignation. He later sued the company for what he believed to be owed compensation, eventually settling for approximately $250 million.

In October 1998, Michael Eisner presented Roy with the Disney Legends Award. Roy’s pet project, “Fantasia 2000,” was released in 1999, earning him a PGA Award. Despite these honors, the relationship between Roy and Michael Eisner deteriorated further, leading to Roy’s resignation from the board in November 2003, citing “serious differences of opinion about the direction and style of management.”

The SaveDisney.com Movement

Following his resignation, Roy Disney spearheaded the SaveDisney.com website, which aimed to remove Michael Eisner and his supporters from their positions within the company. This move reflected his strong belief that the company was heading in the wrong direction. The campaign gained significant traction, culminating in a shareholder vote in March 2004, where 43% of shareholders opposed Eisner’s re-election to the board. Eisner eventually announced his resignation as CEO a year later. In July 2005, Roy Disney rejoined the board as a nonvoting consultant and director emeritus, contributing his experience and insights as Bob Iger took over as CEO. The acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios in 2006, for $7.4 billion, further reshaped the landscape of the Walt Disney Company.

(Photo by Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Personal Life and Passions

Beyond his professional achievements, Roy Disney had a rich personal life. He married Patricia Ann Dailey on September 17, 1955, and they had four children: Abigail Disney, Susan, Tim, and Roy Patrick. The couple divorced in early 2007. In 2008, he married CSTV producer Leslie DeMeuse, and they remained married until his death. Roy Disney was also passionate about sailing. He held several records, including the monohull time record from Los Angeles to Honolulu, which he set in July 1999 on his boat Pyewacket.

Death, Honors, and Enduring Legacy

Roy Disney passed away from stomach cancer on December 16, 2009, at the age of 79. He died at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach after battling the disease for a year. His obituary in the Los Angeles Times reported that his ashes would be scattered at sea. He was survived by his wife, Leslie, his four children, and 16 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations to the California International Sailing Association.

Roy Disney received numerous honors and accolades throughout his career. These included an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Film, Animated, for “Destino” in 2004, and a Vision Award for Theatrical Motion Pictures at the 2001 PGA Awards for “Fantasia 2000.” He also received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the ICG Publicists Awards (2000) and the Santa Clarita International Film Festival (2002). He was also the recipient of the Jules Verne Lifetime Achievement Award (2008) and a Winsor McCay Award from the Annie Awards (1993). In 1998, he was made a Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II. He served as the grand marshal of the Rose Parade in 2000. In 2008, the California Maritime Academy awarded him an honorary doctorate. A few months after his death, the animation studio at Burbank’s Walt Disney Studios was renamed the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, ensuring his name would forever be associated with the magic he helped create.

In terms of real estate, Roy Disney owned a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Toluca Lake, California, known as the “Jewel on the Lake.” In 2019, the 2,443 square foot home was listed for sale at $5 million.