Roy Edward Disney

Roy Edward Disney began working for the Walt Disney Company as an assistant film editor on the True-Life Adventure film in 1954.

In 1967, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the company.

In 1984, he returned to the company as vice chairman of the board, and head of the animation department.

On 30 November 2003, he abruptly resigned his position as Chairman of the Feature Animation Division and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Walt Disney Productions. In his resignation letter, he denounced Disney CEO Michael Eisner for (among other things) the failure of ABC-TV and ABC Family Channel ratings, loss of company morale through consistent micro-management, building newer theme parks "on the cheap", changing the company's public image as "always looking for the 'quick buck'", the defection of creative talent to other companies, failure to establish lasting relationships with creative partners and not establishing a management succession plan. Roy Disney's resignation was followed the very next day by the resignation of Disney Boardmember Stanley P. Gold, who echoed many of Roy Disney's complaints.

Made a special unannounced surprise appearance at the premiere of a revival/promotional screening of the 1989 Disney classic The Little Mermaid (1989) at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on September 7th, 2006. After an introduction, by longtime Disney producer 'Don Hahn', which recalled his many accomplishments, Disney stood up from his seat in the audience and bowed his head in appreciation. The shocked and delighted audience gave him a standing ovation. [September 2006]