Disney was born in 1901 in Chicago, but his family moved to Missouri while he was growing up. There, he developed a deep love for nature and an enduring fascination for film-making.
Disney moved to Hollywood in 1923 to start making animation. His first films were "The Alice Comedies," produced throughout the 1920s.
Mickey Mouse first appeared in 1928's "Steamboat Willie." In 1937 Disney created the first full-length animated feature, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
Disney soon built up a stable of animated classics, along with television shows, product tie-ins and a theme park--Disneyland--which became a pop culture staple.
Disney died in 1966, just a few days after his 65th birthday.