I think this would have had more of an impact then it did now. After so many years I finally finished it and regret that I never did it when I lived there.

I first started reading this book when I lived in Walt Disney World on the Disney College program. This book was an absolute treasure to read. Selznick, Walter Winchell, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Howard Hughes, Abbott & Costello, Walt Disney, and a children's book, Walt Disney: Magician of the Movies. Other Thomas biographies include Joan Crawford, Marlon Brando, David O. Thalberg as sparking their interest in pursuing a career behind the scenes. Many in the film industry credit his 1969 biography of producer Irving G. Mayer.ĭuring his long history of reporting for the AP, Thomas authored at least 30 books. Acclaimed as the dean of Hollywood reporters, Bob Thomas wrote about the movie business for the Associated Press since the days when Hollywood was run by the men who founded it: Jack Warner, Darryl F. Thomas made his mark by engaging celebrities in activities that brought out their personalities, whether by measuring their waistline after childbirth (as he did with Betty Grable) or testing just how tall a leading lady needed to be by kissing her himself (as he did with June Haver).

He lived in Encino with his wife, Patricia. This Commemorative Edition includes: new introductions from Jeff Kurtti and Marcy Carriker Smothers and endnotes to add further context and connect Walt's story to today.Robert Joseph 'Bob' Thomas was an American Hollywood film industry biographer and reporter who worked for the Associated Press from 1944.īorn in San Diego, he grew up in Los Angeles, where his father was a film publicist. Walt Disney: An American Original is a fascinating and inspirational work that captures the spirit of Walt Disney. After years of research, respected Hollywood biographer Bob Thomas produced a definitive biography of the man behind the legend of Disney: the unschooled cartoonist from Kansas City who went bankrupt on his first movie venture and developed into the genius who produced unmatched works of animation, and ultimately was the creative spirit of an international entertainment empire that has enchanted generations.

His is a success story like no other: a man who developed animated film into an art form and made a massive contribution to the folklore of the world. From Mickey Mouse to Disneyland, he changed the face of American culture.

As part of the festivities, this must-have biography tells the story of Walt Disney's life- told as no other book can! The Walt Disney Company honors its 100th anniversary in 2023.

Walt Disney by Bob Thomas