On December 16, 2009, CalArts benefactor Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney, died at the age of 79 in Newport Beach.

Disney passed away from stomach cancer at Hoag Memorial Hospital after battling the disease for more than a year.

Following his death, approximately 1,000 people attended a memorial service that Sunday at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre. 

A founding trustee of CalArts, Disney was honored in a celebration that reflected his life and legacy rather than a somber farewell. Guests were encouraged to wear bright colors instead of traditional black, and the service featured live performances and clips from several of his award-winning films, including “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King.”

While Disney is widely remembered for revitalizing animation at Disney Studios, he was also regarded as CalArts’ strongest advocate. 

During the memorial, Disney CEO and President Robert Iger announced that the main animation building in Burbank would be renamed the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in his honor.

To read yesterday’s Today in SCV History – click here.

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