Don Iwerks, Disney Camera and Projection Pioneer, Dies at 96
The son of Mickey Mouse co-creator Ub Iwerks helped perfect the effects for 'Mary Poppins' and developed the Circle-Vision camera for Disney parks.
“Don embodied that rare combination of heart, ingenuity and passion that has always defined Disney.”
Don Iwerks, the Disney legend who spearheaded camera and projection systems for the company’s parks and films, has died at 96. Disney announced Iwerks died Thursday evening, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He was an innovator whose work brought The Walt Disney Company to new technological heights. His achievements included aiding in perfecting the sodium vapor process used in 1964’s Academy Award-winning Mary Poppins, developing the 360-degree Circle-Vision camera used to film America the Beautiful for Disney Parks, and implementing the projection system for the Star Tours attraction.
How did Disney and his family remember him?
In a statement shared on Disney D23’s Instagram, the company said, “Iwerks was an innovator whose work brought The Walt Disney Company to new technological heights… The achievements of Don Iwerks and his family have shaped Disney’s creative ethos and will forever be part of the company’s history.” Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro added, “Don embodied that rare combination of heart, ingenuity and passion that has always defined Disney.”
According to an obituary shared by his family and reported by Deadline, Iwerks died peacefully at Ojai Community Memorial Care Center, “surrounded by the love of family and friends.” His family stated, “Those who knew Don remember not only his extraordinary accomplishments, but the quiet grace with which he achieved them.” They noted he remained an optimist and problem-solver to the end, still sketching new inventions and watching classic films like Mary Poppins.
What was Don Iwerks' background and career?
Born on July 24, 1929, Iwerks was the son of fellow Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, co-creator of Mickey Mouse. He began at Walt Disney Productions in 1950 as a special photographic processes laboratory technician. After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Korean War, he returned to Disney in 1952.
Iwerks took on a camera technician role in 1953. He later led the machine shop, camera service, and technical engineering divisions. After 35 years with Disney, he co-founded Iwerks Entertainment Inc. in 1986 with fellow Disney executive Stan Kinsey. The company became a pioneer in giant-screen theaters and immersive experiences.
His technical contributions were recognized with the Gordon E. Sawyer Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1997. He was named a Disney Legend in 2009.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Don Iwerks' connection to Mickey Mouse?
Don Iwerks was the son of Ub Iwerks, who, alongside Walt Disney, co-created Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Don followed his father into the company, beginning his own Disney career in 1950.
What happened to the company Iwerks co-founded?
After leaving Disney, Don Iwerks co-founded Iwerks Entertainment Inc. in 1986. The company specialized in large-format theaters and motion simulators. It was acquired by SimEx Inc. in 2001.
How is the family asking people to honor his memory?
In lieu of flowers, the Iwerks family has asked that donations be made to the Community Memorial Continuing Care Center of Ojai and The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Did Don Iwerks have any children who also worked at Disney?
Yes. According to the family obituary, his documentarian daughter Leslie and a great-nephew, Mike, both went on to work at The Walt Disney Company.
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