About 1,000 people turned out for a memorial service Sunday for the late Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney and a founding CalArts Trustee, at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theater. Disney died last month after a year-long bout with cancer.
Rather than a somber occasion, the memorial was a celebration of his life and work–guests were even asked to wear bright colors and not the black of mourning. There were live performances and clips from some of his award-winning movies, including The Little Mermaid and The Lion King.
While Disney is best remembered publicly for his work in revitalizing animation at Disney studios, he will always be remembered here as CalArts’ staunchest advocate.
During the memorial, Disney’s CEO and President Robert Iger made a special announcement that the main animation building in Burbank will be renamed the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.