Lillian Disney was not only the wife of the famous Walt Disney but also played an integral role in his career and the creation of the iconic Mickey Mouse.
Born Lillian Bounds in Spalding, Idaho, on February 15, 1899, she moved to Los Angeles in 1923 to live with her sister and began working at Disney Studios in the Ink and Paint Department in 1924.
It was there that she caught the eye of Walt Disney and the two began a love story that would forever change the world of animation.
The couple tied the knot on July 13, 1925, and Lillian became not only Walt’s wife but also his personal secretary. It was Lillian who suggested the name “Mickey” for the character that would become the face of the Disney empire. Together, they had two children, daughters Diane and Sharon.
Diane Disney Miller followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a founder of The Walt Disney Family Museum and marrying football player Ron W. Miller.
The couple went on to establish the renowned Napa winery, Silverado Vineyards. Sharon, on the other hand, was a founder of Retlaw Enterprises and served on the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company.
The couple’s grandchildren have fond memories of their time spent with their grandfather, visiting The Walt Disney Studio lot and the Golden Oak Ranch. These experiences shaped their childhood and allowed them to see firsthand the magic that Walt Disney created on screen.
Lillian Disney passed away in 1997 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of fans around the world. Her impact on the Disney brand and the creation of beloved characters like Mickey Mouse will forever be remembered.
