Roy Edward Disney, the American media executive, producer, and director, had an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion at the time of his death in 2009. As the son of Roy O. Disney and nephew of Walt Disney, Roy played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of The Walt Disney Company. His financial success was largely tied to his extensive ownership of Disney stock and his influence over the company’s leadership for decades.
| Roy Disney Net Worth | $1.2 Billion |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1930 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Media Executive, Producer, and Director |
Early Life
Born on January 10, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, Roy Disney was raised in the shadow of the growing Disney empire. His father, Roy O. Disney, co-founded The Walt Disney Company alongside Walt Disney. Roy attended Pomona College, where he graduated in 1951 before joining Walt Disney Productions as a producer and assistant director.
Career
Roy Disney’s career at Walt Disney Productions spanned several decades, during which he wielded immense influence over the company’s creative and corporate direction. Elected to the board of directors in 1967, he initially served as Chairman of the Board before resigning in 1977 due to disagreements over the company’s direction. He later left the board altogether in 1984 but returned to lead a major restructuring that resulted in Michael Eisner’s appointment as Chairman and CEO.
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Under Eisner’s leadership, Disney saw a resurgence, with blockbusters such as The Lion King (1994) and Beauty and the Beast (1991) driving the studio’s success. However, in the early 2000s, Roy became increasingly dissatisfied with Eisner’s management. In 2003, he resigned from the board once again and launched a public campaign to remove Eisner, which ultimately led to Eisner stepping down in 2005. Following this victory, Roy rejoined Disney as a nonvoting board member until his passing in 2009.
Film and Production Achievements
Beyond his corporate role, Roy Disney was deeply involved in film production. He directed the 1973 film Mustang and contributed significantly to The Magical World of Disney television series. He had 16 production credits, including Fantasia 2000 (1999), Cheetah (1989), Morning Light (2008), and the animated short Destino (2003), which earned an Academy Award nomination. His dedication to animation helped revive Disney’s animated film division, leading to what is known as the “Disney Renaissance” of the late 1980s and 1990s.
Disney Stock
At the time of his death, Roy Disney owned approximately 16 million shares of Disney stock, equivalent to roughly 1% of the company. By comparison, when Disney acquired Pixar in 2006, Steve Jobs became the company’s largest shareholder with a 7% stake. Despite his relatively smaller share, Roy’s deep ties to Disney’s corporate structure ensured his fortune remained substantial. His net worth, estimated at $1.2 billion, was largely derived from the value of his stock holdings and his longtime association with the entertainment giant.
Personal Life
Roy Disney married Patricia Ann Dailey in 1955, and they had four children: Abigail, Susan, Tim, and Roy Patrick. The couple divorced in 2007, and in 2008, he married Leslie DeMeuse, a producer at CSTV. Roy had a lifelong passion for sailing and set multiple records, including the monohull time record from Los Angeles to Honolulu in 1999 with his yacht Pyewacket.
Death
On December 16, 2009, Roy Disney passed away at the age of 79 after a year-long battle with stomach cancer. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea. His contributions to the Disney legacy continue to be recognized, and in 2010, the animation studio at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank was renamed the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in his honor.
Roy Disney Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Roy Disney was recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Annie Awards (1993), the Vision Award for Fantasia 2000 (2001), and a Jules Verne Lifetime Achievement Award (2008). In 1998, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II.
Real Estate and Investments
Roy Disney owned multiple properties, including a notable three-bedroom home in Toluca Lake, California, dubbed the “Jewel on the Lake.” The home was listed for sale in 2019 for $5 million. His real estate investments, along with his Disney stock, solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in entertainment history.
Roy Disney Net Worth
Roy Disney net worth was $.2 billion.