Walt Disney's Secret to Success Was Right Beside Him in Plain Sight--and No Secret at All

Though most of them know that he was married, fans of Walter Elias Disney often think of him as one man unto himself. But the truth is that his wife and his family played important roles in Walt’s life and stood by him–not only while he built the Disney empire–but after his death as well, working to keep his memory and his dreams alive.

Walt Disney, the legendary creator behind some of the most beloved characters and theme parks in history, found an equally remarkable partner in Lillian Bounds, a young woman who was initially his subordinate in the Ink & Paint Department at Walt Disney Studios.

A man and a woman sit close together on a set of brick stairs, holding hands. The man is wearing a gray suit, light blue shirt, and yellow tie. The woman is in a dark dress with a white collar. Both are looking at the camera. A leafy plant is in the background. — Credit: The Walt Disney Family Museum

Their marriage, which lasted over four decades, was a testament to their mutual respect, love, and dedication. However, like any relationship, theirs was not without its challenges, especially given the demands of Walt’s burgeoning empire.

Meeting and Marriage

Walt Disney and Lillian Bounds first met in 1923 when Lillian, a native of Spalding, Idaho, was hired as an ink and paint artist at Walt’s fledgling animation studio in Los Angeles. Lillian, affectionately known as “Lilly,” quickly became an integral part of the studio’s small team, which was then working on the Alice Comedies.

A black and white photo shows five people standing outside a building with a sign that reads "Disney Bros." They are dressed in early 20th-century attire, with two men in suits and hats and three women in coats with fur collars, smiling at the camera. — Credit: D23

Despite the humble beginnings and financial difficulties faced by the studio, a romance blossomed between Walt and Lilly. Their shared passion for animation and creativity, coupled with their mutual determination, laid the foundation for a strong bond.

On July 13, 1925, Walt and Lillian tied the knot in a small ceremony in Lewiston, Idaho, at the home of Lillian’s brother. Rather than being married in the church, the church rector arrived at the home to perform the wedding ceremony, which was reportedly not attended by Walt’s mother and father.

Following the joyous occasion, the newlyweds honeymooned on Mount Rainier and in Seattle, Washington, and enjoyed “escaping to a world apart from their own.”

Thirty years later, in 1955, according to the Walt Disney Family Museum:

The couple celebrated their anniversary with friends and family as Walt readied to open his own world, his own new experience in entertainment. The sight for such a party was a new upstart saloon in a place called Frontierland.

A man and woman stand together on a stage, smiling. The woman is wearing a floral dress, and the man is dressed in a suit. Behind them, the stage backdrop includes a river and a steamboat scene. The couple stands near a railing decorated with chains. — Credit: D23

Upon reflecting back on her parents’ marriage and their life together, Diane Disney Miller, the couple’s oldest daughter, said:

I think my dad fell in love with her almost immediately,” Diane Disney Miller said of her parents. “He liked that she was an independent little lady. It took a little while for her to succumb to his charm, but when she did, she was completely smitten for the rest of her life.

The early years of their marriage were marked by financial struggles and long working hours, but they remained steadfastly supportive of one another. Lillian’s support was crucial during this time, as Walt was often consumed by his work. Her patience and belief in his vision helped them navigate through these challenging times.

Building a Family Amidst a Growing Empire

Walt had once said he wanted as many as ten children, though Lillian wasn’t sure about the prospect of beginning a family, especially when she considered her husband’s long hours at work.

Lillian ultimately relinquished her role at Walt Disney Studios to start a family with Walt. Eight years after they married, Walt and Lillian Disney became parents to Diane Marie Disney, born December 18, 1933.

A vintage black and white photo shows a smiling couple seated together, holding a cheerful baby between them. The woman has short, wavy hair and wears a checkered blouse, while the man has neatly combed hair and wears a sweater over a collared shirt. — Credit: The Walt Disney Family Museum

A few years later, they adopted their second daughter, Sharon Mae Disney, born on December 31, 1936. Walt was deeply devoted to his daughters, and despite his demanding schedule, he always tried to carve out time for his family. He often shared stories and engaged in creative play with Diane and Sharon, undoubtedly influencing their imaginations and creativity.

Walt’s Daughters Set Plans For Disneyland Into Motion

It was Walt’s daughters who ultimately inspired the development of Disneyland.

Saturdays in the late 1930s and early 1940s were some of the most memorable and meaningful days in the lives of Walt Disney and his two daughters, Diane and Sharon. As Walt would later say in numerous interviews and documentaries about Disneyland, Saturdays were referred to as “Daddy’s Day.”

A man with a mustache reads a book to two young children, both girls, sitting on his lap. The girls are dressed in matching white outfits with colorful embroidered patterns. They are indoors, against a wallpapered backdrop. — Credit: The Walt Disney Family Museum

“Saturday was always Daddy’s day, and I would take [my daughters] to the merry-go-round and sit on a bench eating peanuts while they rode,” Walt explained. “And sitting there alone, I felt there should be something built, some kind of family park where parents and children could have fun together.”

It was then that the idea for a magical place called Disneyland–named after the man who created it–was born.

As Walt’s career took off, particularly with the groundbreaking success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, his work began to demand even more of his time. The success of the film allowed the Disneys to move into a new home in Los Angeles, providing more comfort and stability for the family. However, the increasing demands of the studio often meant long hours and significant stress for Walt.

A black-and-white photo of a smiling man with a mustache, flanked by two young girls. One girl is whispering into the man's ear while the other girl laughs. The man appears joyful, fully engaged with the children. The girls wear casual clothing with stripes. — Credit: The Walt Disney Family Museum

Lillian’s role as a supportive spouse was crucial during this time. She maintained a balance at home, ensuring that their daughters had as normal a childhood as possible despite their father’s fame. Lillian herself was a strong-willed and independent woman, often providing Walt with honest feedback about his projects. This candidness helped Walt immensely, as he valued her opinions and insights.

The Impact of Disney’s Success on Their Marriage

Walt Disney’s burgeoning empire, while a testament to his creativity and vision, inevitably placed strains on his marriage.

The pressure to constantly innovate and manage a growing company took a toll on Walt’s health and well-being. During the 1940s and 1950s, the success of projects such as Disneyland further increased his workload. The opening of Disneyland in 1955 was a monumental achievement, but it also meant that Walt’s attention was divided between the studio and the theme park.

Opening Day parade at Disneyland — Credit: D23

Despite these challenges, Walt and Lillian managed to maintain a strong and loving relationship. They had their share of disagreements and arguments, often stemming from the pressures of Walt’s work. However, their mutual respect and deep affection for each other saw them through difficult times. Lillian’s support remained unwavering, and she often accompanied Walt on his business trips and premieres, providing a steadying presence.

The couple enjoyed traveling together, and Lillian was known to be Walt’s sounding board for many of his ideas. Their partnership extended beyond their personal lives into their professional endeavors. Lillian was involved in various aspects of Walt’s projects, offering suggestions and critiques that Walt highly valued.

Extended Family and Legacy

Walt and Lillian’s family grew as their daughters married and had children of their own.

Diane married Ron W. Miller, a professional football player who later became CEO of The Walt Disney Company. They had seven children, extending the Disney legacy further. Sharon married twice, first to Robert Brown and later to William Lund. She had one biological daughter, Victoria, and adopted another child named Brad.

A family is gathered outdoors in a garden. An older man is reclining on a hammock. A poodle is standing near him. Around him are three women, one holding a baby and another wearing sunglasses and holding a toddler. A man is seated beside the poodle. There is a red wagon on the lawn. — Credit: The Walt Disney Family Museum

The extended Disney family has continued to uphold the values and vision that Walt instilled. Diane and Ron’s children have been involved in various philanthropic efforts and have played roles in preserving the legacy of Walt Disney. Despite the immense fame and success of their patriarch, the Disney family has remained relatively private, focusing on charitable work and the continued support of the arts and education.

A Lasting Partnership

Walt Disney and Lillian Bounds Disney’s marriage was one of deep love, mutual respect, and shared dreams. While the demands of Walt’s career often placed strain on their relationship, their strong bond and dedication to each other never wavered.

Lillian’s unfailing support and involvement in Walt’s work were integral to his success, providing him with the strength and encouragement he needed to build his empire.

A black-and-white photo of a man and a woman. They are looking at each other and smiling. The woman has short, wavy hair and is wearing earrings, while the man has neatly combed hair and a mustache. They appear to be in conversation or sharing a moment. — Credit: The Walt Disney Family Museum

Their story is not just one of Hollywood glamour but also of the profound impact that a supportive and understanding partnership can have on an individual’s achievements. Walt and Lillian Disney’s marriage remains a testament to the power of love, commitment, and shared dreams in overcoming the challenges of life and work.