Sharon Mae Disney, the adopted daughter of Walt Disney, left a significant mark on the arts and education before her untimely death from breast cancer on February 16, 1993. Disney grew up in a household imbued with creativity and innovation, shaped by her father’s legendary legacy.
Despite her family’s fame, she dedicated her life to philanthropy, supporting various cultural and educational initiatives, ensuring that her contributions would resonate long after her passing.
Sharon Mae Disney’s biography
Sharon Mae Disney was born on December 31, 1936, in Los Angeles, situated in the U.S. state of California. She was adopted by Walt and Lillian Disney when she was just two weeks old. Disney grew up alongside her adopted older sister, Diane, in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry.
Disney’s early life was marked by a close relationship with her parents. In a 1992 interview with Forbes magazine, Disney mentioned that they were never raised with the notion that their father was a great man. To them, he was simply “Daddy” who went to work every morning and came home every night. Both girls enjoyed outings with their father to the Griffith Park Carousel and other research trips, as well as spending weekends riding their bikes at The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank while their father worked.
Disney’s contributions to the arts and education were significant. She served on the board of directors for The Walt Disney Company and was a trustee for several educational institutions, including the California Institute of the Arts, the Marianne Frostig Center of Educational Therapy and the Curtis School Foundation.
Tragically, her life was cut short due to complications from breast cancer. She passed away in 1993, leaving behind a legacy that continued through her family and philanthropic work. In recognition of her contributions, the Sharon D. Lund Foundation made a substantial donation to the California Institute of the Arts, renaming the school of dance to the Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance.
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Sharon Mae Disney’s career
Disney’s career was primarily focused on philanthropy and support for the arts rather than traditional entertainment roles. Although not known for being actively involved in the family business, in 1965, Disney became a founder, co-owner, and officer of Retlaw Enterprises. This company succeeded the corporation her father organised in 1952 for various personal business ventures, including Walt Disney Imagineering.
In 1973, Disney founded the Sharon D. Lund Foundation, a charitable organisation supporting initiatives in the arts, health and wellness, human services and higher education for the benefit of children. In 1984, she was elected to the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company and remained in this position for the rest of her life. She also served as a trustee for CalArts, the school in Valencia originally funded by her family.
Additionally, she contributed to charities, such as the Marianne Frostig Center of Educational Therapy, a school for children with learning disabilities, the Curtis School Foundation and the Music Center. Along with her family, she contributed nearly $100 million towards the construction of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Sharon Mae Disney movies
Disney had a limited career in film, with her most notable appearance being in the Disney movie, “Johnny Tremain” (1957), where she played a minor role. Beyond this, she did not pursue acting extensively.
Sharon Mae Disney’s net worth
There are no reports on Disney’s net worth.
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Sharon Mae Disney’s family
Disney’s father was Walter Elias Disney. Born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois, was a pioneering American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur. He is best known for founding The Walt Disney Company and creating iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse. In 1923, he moved to Hollywood and, along with his brother Roy, established the Disney Brothers Studio, which later became The Walt Disney Company. His groundbreaking work in animation led to the creation of Steamboat Willie in 1928, the first synchronised sound cartoon, featuring Mickey Mouse.
In addition, Walter Disney was a visionary in theme park design, opening Disneyland in 1955, which became a model for future amusement parks. He received numerous accolades during his lifetime, including 22 Academy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He passed away from lung cancer on December 15, 1966, in Burbank, California.
The older Disney’s daughter married Robert Brown in 1959. The couple adopted a daughter named Victoria. After Brown’s passing in 1967, Disney married Bill Lund, with whom she had twins – Brad and Michelle. Lund worked as a construction consultant and was involved with various projects, including serving as President of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) from 1972 to 1975. His professional career continued after his marriage to Sharon, and he later founded his own company, W.S.L. Associates.
Lund served as a construction consultant for “The Florida Project”, which eventually developed into Walt Disney World Resort. However, Disney and Lund formally divorced in 1978. Her daughter, Victoria, passed away in 2002. Following in her mother’s footsteps, a foundation in Victoria’s name donates to organisations, such as the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, the Healthy Kids program at Arthur M. Hamilton Elementary School, the Boys and Girls Club of Phoenix and The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
Her twins, Brad and Michelle, continue to manage the Sharon D. Lund Foundation, which has provided grants to various organisations and projects within its focus areas. In 2015, CalArts named its school of dance “The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance” following an $11 million donation from the foundation in her honour.
Sharon Mae Disney’s age
Disney was born on December 31, 1936. She died at the age of 56.
Sharon Mae Disney’s death
Disney passed away on February 16, 1993, at the age of 56, due to complications from breast cancer. Her battle with the disease was a challenging period in her life.
Disney died in Santa Monica, California, and she was buried in Glendale, Los Angeles.
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