Disney films have won 135 Oscars, and Walt himself holds the record for the most Academy Awards won by an individual: 22.
2 MICKEY MOUSE may not have been the first Disney character (that would be Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who looks strikingly similar to Mickey), but he is undeniably the most popular. Mickey is better known in this country than anyone living or dead, real or fictional, the Los Angeles Times reports. Market researchers say that his 97% recognition rate even edges out Santa Claus. The iconic "mouse ears" souvenir remains Disney's most popular piece of merchandise, with annual sales of $3 million.
3 IN A CASE of life imitating art, the voice actors behind Mickey and Minnie Mouse fell in love while on the job. Wayne Allwine, who voiced Mickey for a record 32 years, met Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie, in 1988. They married three years later.
4 HITTING THEATERS in 1937, Snow Seven Dwarfs was Disney's first full-length film. It took three years to produce and came in three times over budget. Insiders nicknamed the project Disney's Folly. But it paid off: The film earned more than $8 million during its initial release (about $165 million in today's money), making it the top-grossing animated movie of all time.
5 FRESH OFF this success, Walt Disney purchased a home for his parents in 1938. But his mother, Flora, tragically died inside from carbon monoxide poisoning. Some fans say this explains the "dead mother trope" in many subsequent Disney films.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Election Day Memories - Stories about voting by the people, for the people
A Convincing Argument When my boyfriend and I were finally old enough to vote in our first presidential election, we spent months debating with one another about our chosen candidates. We were quite persuasive, as we discovered when we got home from the polls and learned that we'd both voted for the other's initial choice.―SHERRY FOX Appleton, WI
A New Way to Monitor Blood Sugar
Who can benefit from this wearable technology
A Flag for Dad
An old sailor made a last wish. His son was determined to see that it came true.
Sisterhood to Last a Lifetime
These college pals teach a master class in how to maintain a friendship for 50-plus years
...TO DIE ON A HOCKEY RINK
ONE MINUTE I WAS PLAYING IN MY BEER LEAGUE, THE NEXT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL
Yes, There's a Museum for That!
These collections are wacky, wonderful and worth a visit
Town Meeting Is Called!
Once a year, the people of Elmore, Vermont, gather to practice a cherished right: democracy
Just Tight
Broken, battered and trapped in a ravine for days, a desperate driver wonders, \"Will anyone find me?\"
WHY OUR BODIES DON'T DIG DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Twice a year, when we spring ahead and fall back, we're more prone to sleepiness, depression and accidents
MONEYSAVING DO'S AND DON'TS
The run-up to the holidays doesn't have to bah-humbug your budget. A shopping expert shares strategies for saving big now and all year round.
