Remembering Roy E. Disney: Memories and Photos of a Storied Life

by David A. Bossert

In his unique role at The Walt Disney Company, from 1994 until 2010, Dave Bossert worked primarily on projects that were spearheaded and executive produced by Roy E. Disney.

More scrapbook than biography, Remembering Roy E. Disney draws a poignant and funny picture of a man revered and idolized by legions of Disney fans and admired, cared about, and very well liked by all those that had the honor to know him; to be part of one of his inner circle of friends.

Filled with personal memories, stories, and artifacts collected along the way, this book will contain written stories as well as drawings and candid photos. Perfect for Disney fans, film buffs, and animation historians.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2013

About the author

David A. Bossert is an award-winning artist, filmmaker, and author. He is a 32-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company where he contributed his talents to Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), The Lion King (1994), Fantasia/2000 (1999) among many others. Bossert is an independent producer, creative director, and writer and is considered an authority on Disney art and animation history. He is a member of the CalArts Board of Trustees and is a visiting scholar at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) in Pittsburgh. In 2018, his invention Parallax Based Monoscopic Rendering was awarded a U.S. Patent.
Bossert is the author of eight books and dozens of articles on animation. His latest books are, Kem Weber: The Mid-Century Furniture Designs for the Disney Studios (The Old Mill Press, 2018) and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Visual Companion (Disney Editions, 2020). Learn more at www.davidbossert.com

Reviews

[Aylin Houle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks ago I had the honor of meeting David A. Bossert at walts barn. Who himself has done so much with the Disney Studios! So many projects! I went up to him and saw a few books he had on display to purchase. My attention immediately went to Remembering Roy E. Disney: Memories and Photos of a Storied Life. There was one left and I'm glad I bought it. David told me he knew Roy and worked with him. At the time I didn't know the extent. I have grown a new respect for Roy and all that he did for Disney animation. And just what a genuine down to earth guy he was. From personal accounts to those who knew him and worked with him, to his family, you learn so much. A life not only through words but through pictures. It is definitely a book worth picking up and reading. Absolutely brilliant! 📚 👏❤️

[Ashley Reichert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read about Roy E. Disney. I loved reading about him, but I also enjoyed looking at all the pictures included in this book!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understand what this book is and you'll enjoy it. It's an employee and friend of Roy E Disney trying to capture a little bit of why he loved the man so much in a book.

It's not biography or history. Just the good stuff: Roy E's passion for animation, his fighting for the honor of his family's company, his obsession with competitive sailing, and his philanthropy. An impressive life to be sure.

While edging near pure saccharine at times Remembering Roy E Disney lets slip some undercurrents of family frustration: From his father Roy O Disney (Walt's brother and long time business partner)'s frustration with not getting enough credit for managing the books and business to Roy E's estrangement with Walt's son over his handling of the Disney company.

But these are small glimpses in a generally happy story.

*It should be noted Roy O Disney, despite any frustration he might have had over his brother's overshadowing him, was the one who insisted Walt Disney World specify his deceased brother in its name. However much their sometime rivalry bothered him, Roy O put it aside when managing the family legacy.

[Pamalama Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great getting to know the one who helped to bring such joy to my childhood. I have always loved Disney and I'm glad I picked this one up. It could have been a very quick read but I wanted to take my time and enjoy the stories and pictures. I had tears in my eyes several times. I would most definitely recommend.

[Lily D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love any books on the history of the business side of Disney, and really enjoyed getting a better glimpse into the Roy E. era. Reminded me a lot of Disney War, but provided a more personal and emotional account from those closest to Roy

[Elisa Feola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable quick read from an alternative perspective. We hear bits and pieces from articles and books about the Disney - Steve Job's biography explains the events that led to the merger with Pixar. This is slightly different as it is told from the Roy E. Disney side. The book as expressed was written from a fully, positive vantage somewhat at risk of making the bio not very compelling. The beginning of the book explains that the author, who worked closely with Roy and was his friend, wanted to write it with Roy's family's approval.
There are bits left unexplained which opens a window into what may not have been so picture perfect. When Roy lost grip on the Disney empire, it seems there was a betrayal of those who saved the organization and put Roy back in his position. One of those people being his admired Uncle Walt’s daughter. Another gap of sorts is toward the end of the book Roy had a completely different wife, with no explanation as to what ended his first marriage and what happened to his long admired wife. Getting to the nature of a person through their bio challenges and the not to pretty parts, let us in on why and how they achieve success and make decisions.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book on vacation at Disney World a few years ago because I have always admired Roy E. Disney. I knew a brief history of him and his work at Disney but this book was a great look into his life told by those who spent the most time with him. He was instrumental and the leader to save the animation department and if it wasn’t for him there would have been no renaissance period with Aladdin, The Lion King, etc. To go further he is a strong reason behind the success of Pixar and the technology that was created to make those films. He seemed like a kind and generous man. I think it’s time for a trip to Walt Disney World.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was VERY disappointed in "Remembering Roy E. Disney." It's the 1st biography of Roy E and published by Disney Editions, so you'd think it'd be much more in-depth. It was not. Keep this in mind: Roy E was the last Disney to work for the Walt Disney Company, he has been credited with saving the company TWICE, and with ushering in the renaissance of Disney animation in the late-80's, early 90's. There are a handful of cute stories and some nice photos, but Roy E deserved better, and I hope that some day soon, Disney puts out a fitting biography.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author David Bossert recounts his and others’ memories of Disney icon Roy E (Walt’s nephew). Not necessarily a biography, more of a collection of anecdotes from his colleagues and associates. I think the intended audience is more nostalgic adults (who will love all the photos - - - what a great collection) than children or young adults, however, the right kid would find this a fun read.

Crossposted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com

[Dianne Lipe · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title implies,Remembering Roy E. Disney, is a collection of personal recollections from several people who knew and admired Roy E. Disney (Walt's nephew). The author clearly had a very high regard for Roy, and I sometimes felt that his remarks were redundant and a little syrupy. There were tons of pictures throughout the book; I did enjoy that part.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, review to follow.