Lillian Disney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lillian Disney
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Lillian Disney in 1951
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| Born |
Lillian Marie Bounds
February 15, 1899 Spalding, Idaho, U.S.
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| Died | December 16, 1997 (aged 98) West Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Ink and paint artist |
| Years active | 1928–1997 |
| Spouse(s) |
John L. Truyens
(m. 1969; died 1981) |
| Children | 2, including Diane Disney Miller |
| Relatives | See Disney family |
Lillian Marie Disney (born Bounds) was an American artist. She worked at the famous Disney Studios. Lillian was also the wife of Walt Disney, who created Mickey Mouse. They were married from 1925 until Walt's death in 1966.
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Lillian Disney's Early Life
Lillian Marie Bounds was born in Spalding, Idaho. She grew up in a town called Lapwai. Her father, Willard, worked as a blacksmith and a federal marshal. Lillian was the youngest of ten children in her family.
Her family faced financial challenges. Lillian's father passed away when she was seventeen years old. After finishing high school, she moved to Lewiston with her mother. She studied at a business college for a year. In 1923, Lillian moved to southern California. She lived with her sister Hazel's family there.
Meeting Walt Disney
Lillian started working at the Disney Studio. She was an "ink and paint" artist and a secretary. This is where she first met Walt Disney.
Marriage to Walt Disney
Lillian Bounds and Walt Disney got married on July 13, 1925. Their wedding took place in Idaho at her brother's home. Lillian made her own wedding dress. Walt Disney's parents did not attend the wedding.
Lillian and Walt had two daughters. Their names were Diane Marie Disney (born in 1933) and Sharon Mae Disney (born in 1936). Sharon was adopted into the family. Lillian and Walt had ten grandchildren. Seven were from Diane and her husband, Ron W. Miller. Three were from Sharon and her two husbands, Robert Brown and William Lund.
Naming Mickey Mouse
Lillian Disney is famous for helping to name Mickey Mouse. In 1928, she was on a train trip with Walt. Walt showed her a drawing of his new cartoon mouse. He told her he planned to name it "Mortimer Mouse."
Lillian thought "Mortimer" sounded "too depressing." She suggested the name "Mickey Mouse" instead. Walt loved the idea, and the name stuck! She was very proud of this suggestion.
Honoring Lillian
Walt Disney honored Lillian in several ways. He named his miniature steam locomotive the "Lilly Belle." This train was part of his personal Carolwood Pacific Railroad.
He also named one of the Disneyland Railroad cars the "Lilly Belle." The Walt Disney World Railroad has a locomotive named "Lilly Belle" too. These trains honor people who greatly helped the Walt Disney Company.
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In 1977, a paddle steamer replica was built at Walt Disney World. It was named "The Empress Lilly." Lillian Disney herself christened the boat. In 2003, Lillian was recognized as a Disney Legends. This award celebrates people who made a big impact on the Disney company.
Later Life and Legacy
Walt Disney passed away on December 15, 1966. He was 65 years old. Lillian later married John L. Truyens in May 1969. They were married until his death in 1981.
Lillian Disney was also a generous person. In 1987, she promised $50 million to build a new concert hall. This building, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, opened in 2003. It opened six years after her death. She also helped start The California Institute of the Arts.
Lillian often spoke about her marriage to Walt. She said they shared a wonderful and exciting life. She remembered him as a wonderful husband and a joyful father and grandfather.
Lillian Disney had a stroke on December 15, 1997. This was exactly 31 years after Walt's death. She passed away the next morning at her home in Los Angeles. She was 98 years old.
