Marty Sklar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marty Sklar
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Sklar in 2011
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Martin A. Sklar
February 6, 1934 New Brunswick, New Jersey
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| Died | July 27, 2017 (aged 83) |
| Alma mater | UCLA |
| Occupation | Imagineer |
| Years active | 1956–2009 |
| Relatives | Robert Sklar (brother) |
Martin A. "Marty" Sklar (born February 6, 1934 – died July 27, 2017) was a very important person at The Walt Disney Company. He was a writer and helped build many of Disney's famous places. Marty Sklar was the international ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering. This is the part of Disney that designs and builds all the amazing Disney theme parks and resorts around the world.
Before his last job, he held many big roles. He was a vice president, then president, and later a top creative executive. Disney honored him with a special window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland when he retired on July 17, 2009.
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Marty Sklar's Amazing Career
Marty Sklar was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. When he was a student at UCLA in 1955, he was the editor of the school newspaper. Just one month before Disneyland opened, he was asked to create a special newspaper for the park called The Disneyland News.
After finishing college, he joined Disneyland full-time in 1956. He was in charge of most of the park's advertising and marketing. This meant he helped tell everyone how exciting Disneyland was!
Designing Disney's Magic
In 1961, Marty moved to a special team called WED Enterprises. This team later became Walt Disney Imagineering in 1986. Imagineers are the creative people who dream up and build Disney's attractions. Marty worked on rides for the 1964 New York World's Fair. He helped design famous attractions like the Enchanted Tiki Room and It's a Small World. It's a Small World was first shown at the World's Fair.
For almost 10 years, Marty wrote speeches and other materials for Walt Disney himself. He helped Walt share his ideas in books, on TV, and in special films. In 1974, Marty became a vice president. He then helped guide the creative ideas for EPCOT Center, which is now known as Epcot, at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort.
Building Parks Worldwide
Marty Sklar became the president of Imagineering for nine years. During this time, he led the design and building of many huge Disney parks. These included Tokyo Disneyland, the Disney-MGM Studios, Disneyland Paris, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney California Adventure Park, Tokyo DisneySea, the Walt Disney Studios Park, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Jim Cora, who used to be in charge of Disneyland International, once said about Marty: "He understood the Disney way because he learned it directly from Walt. He was like the 'keeper of the keys' for the whole organization."
Marty Sklar also wrote a book about his life called Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms. Before he passed away, Marty was interviewed for a TV show called The Imagineering Story. This show is all about how Disney parks are made. It was dedicated to Marty's memory.
Marty Sklar's Final Role
On February 16, 2006, Marty Sklar took on a new and exciting job. He became the international ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering. This meant he traveled around the world to colleges and universities. He gave talks and looked for new talented artists, designers, and architects to join Disney. He also represented Disney at new park and attraction openings.
Marty said that he was looking for new challenges as he turned 72 and celebrated 50 years with Disney. He felt he was the perfect person to start this new role.
After 53 years of working for Disney, Marty Sklar retired on July 17, 2009. This was Disneyland's 54th anniversary. On his last day, he was honored with a special window on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland. This is a very special way Disney honors its most important people.
Honors and Awards
In 2001, Marty Sklar was named a Disney Legend. This is a very high honor given to people who have made a huge impact on The Walt Disney Company. He also served as President of Ryman Arts, an organization that helps young artists. This program honors Herb Ryman, another famous Disney artist.
Marty Sklar won a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). He was also added to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame. In 2016, he received the Diane Disney Miller Lifetime Achievement Award from The Walt Disney Family Museum.
His Passing
Marty Sklar passed away at his home in Hollywood Hills on July 27, 2017.
