How Exactly Did Walt Disney Die?
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Though he died many years ago, Walt Disney still remains a prominent figure in our society. Regardless of their age, everyone loves Disney productions. But what happened to the man behind arguably the most-loved film company in the world? How did Walt Disney die? The answer is not as mainstream as you might think.
Soon after his death, there seemed to be an unspoken rule at Disney not to speak about Walt's passing. In fact, even today, Walt is sometimes spoken about in the present tense. He is still a major creative factor at Disney, with people often asking themselves: "What would Walt do?"
Especially since the unspoken rule not to mention Walt's death, many myths have circulated over the years, one of the most popular relating to Walt's last words. Another popular urban legend was that Walt had himself frozen to be revived whenever technology and science allowed.
We've rounded up the truth about Walt Disney's death, so cue up your favorite Disney flick and pick up some Disney facts with our gathered information on this truly legendary man.
Related: 103 Best Disney Movie Quotes to Celebrate Their Famous Films
When did Walt Disney die?
Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966, at age 65, in Los Angeles, California.
How did Walt Disney die?
Disney was a long-time sufferer of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and a damaged cervical spine resulting from a fall from a horse. A month before his death, it was discovered that his chronic smoking habit had led to lung cancer. Things deteriorated pretty fast from there, with Disney dying before Christmastime. After surgical complications, Disney passed away due to "circulatory collapse."
Disney didn't know he was dying, and certainly had not slowed down. The following were some projects he was overseeing before his untimely death: the construction of a new Disneyland in Florida, a ski resort in Sequoia National Forest, renovations at Anaheim's 10-year-old Disneyland, six new movies and several TV shows at the motion-picture studio, and the development of Cal Art, a new university.
Related: 120 Disney Trivia Questions and Answers To Make Game Night Magical
Did he write a message before he died?
Yes, Disney typed a note before being rushed to the hospital. The note was titled, “TV Projects in Production: Ready for Production or Possible for Escalation and Story,” and it listed four names or places: Ron Miller, 2 Way Down Cellar, Kurt Russell (he spelled it as "Kirt") and CIA—Mobley.
Though Disney's meaning can never be fully known, it appears he was jotting down ideas for new projects.
What were Disney's last words?
Contrary to popular legend, Walt's last words were not spoken, and they were not "Kurt Russell." Though not disclosed to the general public, his last written words were "CIA—Mobley."
Who took over Disney when Walt died?
Roy Disney (Walt's brother) was technically CEO of Disney as of 1929, but it only became official after Disney's death. Walt never really ran Disney, he just worked in the creative department, and never held an official title.
What was the last Disney movie made before Walt's death?
Follow Me, Boys! was the last Disney movie made before Walt Disney's death, which actually had Kurt Russell in the cast.
Did Walt Disney leave any instructions?
No, he didn't. Walt didn't like to think about what would happen to Disney upon his death, because Walt didn't like to think about his death period. The company was almost taken over a few times because they had absolutely no idea what to do without Walt. Eventually, they got out of the slump, but Walt's death left Disney in creative shambles for a period.
