Walt Disney’s Family, Relationships, and Friends: Everything You Need to Know

Walt Disney had a remarkable impact on the world and the entertainment industry. He built a legacy that touched millions, working with his family and close friends along the way. Relationships with people shaped his journey. If you can dream it, you can do it, he once said about family.

Family and Upbringing

Walt Disney was born in 1901 in Chicago, Illinois, to Elias Disney and Flora Call Disney. He grew up in a large family, with three brothers and one sister. His early years were shaped by his father’s work ethic and his mother’s encouragement in creative pursuits.

He married Lillian Bounds in 1925. They met when Walt hired Lillian as a secretary at his studio in Los Angeles in the early 1920s. Their partnership lasted throughout his life. The couple married in Idaho.

Walt and Lillian had two daughters. Diane Marie Disney was born in 1933, and Sharon Mae Disney was adopted shortly after her birth in 1936. Both children brought joy to the Disney household and often inspired Walt’s work with children and families.

His brother, Roy O. Disney, played a central role in Walt’s business life. The brothers worked together to establish The Walt Disney Company, with Roy handling the finances and Walt focusing on the creative side.

Family members including his daughters and wife stayed out of the spotlight and pursued their own interests. Diane was devoted to family life, while Sharon became active in charitable work. Lillian lived a quiet life after Walt’s death, supporting the legacy he left behind.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
Elias Disney	Father	1859
Flora Call	Mother	1868
Roy O. Disney	Brother	1893
Ruth Disney	Sister	1903
Herbert Disney	Brother	1888
Raymond Disney	Brother	1890
Lillian Bounds	Spouse	1899
Diane Disney	Daughter	1933
Sharon Disney	Daughter	1936

Friends and Collaborators

Walt Disney had several close friends during his life. Many friendships began through his work in animation and film. Ub Iwerks was an early and important friend. They met in Kansas City while working at the Pesmen-Rubin Art Studio.

Their partnership led to the creation of Mickey Mouse. Although they had creative differences, Walt and Ub’s friendship endured. Roy O. Disney, his brother, was not just a business partner, but also a lifelong friend and confidant.

Ward Kimball, one of Disney’s lead animators, became close to Walt through their shared love for trains. They remained friends for years, often meeting outside of work to enjoy model trains and discuss new ideas.

Fred Moore also became one of Walt’s trusted animators and friends. Their relationship started in the studio and grew due to Fred’s ability to bring characters to life. Some friendships faced challenges because of business decisions, but the bonds Walt formed helped drive many of his achievements.

Name	Known Since	Profession
Ub Iwerks	1920	Animator
Roy O. Disney	1901	Business Partner
Ward Kimball	1934	Animator
Fred Moore	1930	Animator