On October 16, 1923, a small animation studio was established in Los Angeles that would eventually evolve into one of the most influential entertainment empires in the world: The Walt Disney Company. In its early days, it was simply called the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio.
The Beginning
Founded by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, the studio was established following a string of early setbacks. Before Disney became a household name, Walt had founded Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City, Missouri. There, he and fellow animator Ub Iwerks created early animated shorts, including a groundbreaking hybrid of live-action and animation called Alice’s Wonderland. Although the film showcased Walt’s innovative spirit, Laugh-O-Gram went bankrupt, prompting Walt to head west to California.
There, Walt joined his brother Roy, who was recovering from tuberculosis. Shortly after, a contract was signed with New York film distributor Margaret J. Winkler to produce a series of Alice Comedies based on Alice’s Wonderland. With the ink barely dry, Walt and Roy officially launched the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio on October 16, 1923, in a modest office in Hollywood.
The Early Years
The early years were filled with experimentation, ambition, and challenges. The Alice Comedies gained popularity, but it was the 1927 creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit that marked the studio’s first breakout success. However, when distributor Charles Mintz acquired Oswald’s rights and poached most of Disney’s animators, Walt found himself starting from scratch once again.
From this setback emerged Mickey Mouse, a character originally named Mortimer until Walt’s wife, Lillian, suggested the more charming name. In 1928, Mickey made his sound debut in Steamboat Willie, the first synchronized sound cartoon. The short was a sensation, catapulting Mickey Mouse—and Disney—into the spotlight.
The Evolution
The studio’s name evolved over the years, becoming Walt Disney Studio in 1926, then Walt Disney Productions in 1929, and finally The Walt Disney Company in 1986. From those early animated shorts, the company expanded into full-length feature films, theme parks, television, music, and more. Today, Disney owns some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and 20th Century Studios.
A century later, The Walt Disney Company remains a symbol of imagination and storytelling, but it all began on that pivotal October day in 1923.