Priscillano “Pres” Romanillos, the animator who brought to life the athletic Native American Little Creek in DreamWorks’ “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” and the evil Shan-Yu in Disney’s “Mulan,” has died. He was 47 years old. He died at his home in Tujunga on Saturday, surrounded by his family and friends. The cause of death was complications from leukemia.

Romanillos was born Jan. 11, 1963 in the Philippines. When he was six years old, His family moved to Queens, New York City where he grew up.  Later he enrolled at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, successfully graduating with a Masters Degree in Fine Art.

In 1988 Romanillos was hired by Disney Animation, who were at the time actively recruiting animators. He worked on many Disney and Dreamworks films, including The Princess and the Frog (2009), Madagascar (2005), Shrek 2 (2004), Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003), The Road to El Dorado (2000), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Pocahontas (1995), Aladdin (1992), Beauty and the Beast (1991), The Rescuers Down Under (1990), and The Little Mermaid.

“Pres was one of the most respected and beloved artists at our studio,” said DreamWorks Animation chief executive Jeffrey Katzenberg. “All of us in the animation community deeply mourn the loss of Pres … though his memory and legacy will forever exist in the characters he brought to life through his art.”

Romanillos is survived by Jeanine, his wife of 14 years. Plans for a life celebration are pending.

On July 18, 1955, Disneyland officially opened its doors in southern California.  Now, fifty-five years later, a rare gathering of Disney Legends, family members, former executives (2 Disneyland Presidents), Imagineers and other special guests will be gathering in San Francisco at the new Walt Disney Family Museum – many of whom will share their personal stories about working with Walt.

The gatherings will occur on three separate dates: Friday, July 16, 2010 – 6:30 pm, Saturday, July 17 – 3:00 pm, and Sunday, July 18 – 3:00 pm

Unfortunately, tickets to these events are completely sold out. However, the @WDFMuseum will be live-tweeting from all three events! They will also be sending out a photo recap with highlights of our Disneyland 55 weekend.

Special Guests include:

• Diane Disney Miller – daughter of Walt Disney (Friday, July 16 only)

• Tony Baxter – current SR VP of Creative Development for Disneyland

• Jack Lindquist – former President of Disneyland

• Dick Nunis – Disney Legend and former Chairman of Walt Disney Attractions

• Matt Ouimet – former President of Disneyland Resort

• Buzz Price – Economist who helped Walt Disney find original site of Disneyland

• Craig Russell – Current Chief Design and Project Delivery Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering

• Marty Sklar – Disney Legend and former Vice Chair of Imagineering

• Bruce Vaughn – Current Chief Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering

The gatherings will be held in the Special Exhibition Hall of The Walt Disney Family Museum in Presidio, San Francisco.

Ilene Woods, the voice of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney Legend, has died at age 81.  Woods is most famous for her role as the voice of Cinderella in the 1950 classic animated film. One of her last film appearances was in Touched By An Angel as night nurse Cassie. The cause of her death has not been disclosed at this time.

In 1948, as a favor for songwriter friends Mack David and Jerry Livingston, Ilene recorded “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” and “So This is Love.” She didn’t know that Walt Disney would hear the demo recordings and hire her as the title voice of his upcoming animated feature “Cinderella”.

When Walt Disney heard her songs he selected her as the voice of Cinderella over 400 others who had auditioned for the part. “I learned a very good lesson – never pass up doing a good deed for friends,” Woods said. When asked what was the most rewarding part of working on Cinderella, Woods answered “knowing how timeless it is and that even after I’m gone to know my voice will be heard.”

After Cinderella, Ilene moved on to television appearances in programs such as The Steve Allen Show and in later life became a portrait artist. On February 12, 2001, she appeared at a Cinderella Ball celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the motion picture, held at Disneyland. In 2003 she was inducted as a Disney Legend, an award that honors individuals whose “imagination, talents and dreams have created the Disney magic”.

Eddie Carroll, the voice of the beloved Jiminy Cricket, passed away yesterday, April 6, 2010 with his family at his side. He was 76 years old. Eddie had been the voice of Jiminy Cricket since 1973, a role he assumed after Cliff Edwards, the original voice of Jiminy, died in 1971.

On his web site, the following explanation is posted regarding the nature of his passing:

Eddie had experienced some problems with his balance just a short while back. In the examination to determine the cause, a brain tumor was discovered and indeed, a roller coaster ride followed. Yet Eddie faced this challenge with the same dedication that he imposed upon himself with any challenge that came his way. He continued to be amazing, as all of us who have crossed paths with him know!

Carroll’s television career began with series The Lieutenant , followed by a recurring role on the Gomer Pyle show. He guest starred in such iconic television shows as Mary Tyler Moore, One Day at a Time, All in the Family, Life With Lucy, Fantasy Island, Love American Style, and was cast in recurring roles on Maude and Alice. (boy, those bring back some old memories)

On stage, he has played leading roles in musicals, drama and comedy theater productions from Los Angeles to New York, where he appeared in “Legends On Broadway”. He is especially well known on the role in the theater production of The Odd Couple where he portrayed Jack Benny playing Felix Unger.

Carroll is survived by his wife since 1963 Carolyn and two children Leland and Tina.

Fess Parker, a 1950s idol who launched a craze for coonskin caps as television’s Davy Crockett, died Thursday of natural causes. He was 85.

Family spokeswoman Sao Anash said Parker, who was also TV’s Daniel Boone and later a major California winemaker and developer, died at his Santa Ynez Valley home. Sadly, His death comes on the 84th birthday of his wife of 50 years, Marcella.

“She’s a wreck,” Anash said, adding Parker was coherent and speaking with family just minutes before his death. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Parker began his show-business career in the play Mister Roberts in 1951, although he is credited with the voice of Leslie, the chauffeur, in the 1950 film Harvey.

Parker became a contract player with Warner Brothers appearing in small roles in several films such as Springfield Rifle (1952), Island in the Sky, The Bounty Hunter and Battle Cry. In 1954, he appeared as Grat Dalton in the Jim Davis western anthology Stories of the Century in the episode The Dalton Brothers.

The role that Disney fans remember Fess the most for was his portrayal of Davy Crockett in the television series by the same name.  Walt Disney Studios hired Fess Parker in 1954 to play the legendary character in three episodes depicting his exploits as frontiersman, congressman, and heroic figure of the Alamo (in the first television miniseries though the term had not yet been coined). Davy Crockett was a tremendous hit with children, and led to a merchandising frenzy for all things Crockett.

Parker afterwards became a contract star for Disney appearing in many films such as The Great Locomotive Chase, Old Yeller, and Westward Ho, The Wagons! He also made guest appearances on many television programs; and composed and sang music.

He filled the occasional role of Tom Conrad, editor of the Diablo Courier in the syndicated western series, Annie Oakley (1954-1957), starring Gail Davis, Brad Johnson, and Jimmy Hawkins. In 1962, he starred in the title role of the TV series Mr Smith Goes to Washington and from 1964 to 1970 he starred in the NBC series Daniel Boone, portraying another historic figure of America’s frontier days. Turning down the title role of McCloud, Parker retired from the film industry in the 1970s, after a short-lived 1974 sitcom, The Fess Parker Show.

After his acting career, Parker devoted much of his time to operating his Fess Parker Family Winery in Los Olivos, California. The winery is owned and operated by Parker’s family, and has produced several different types of award-winning wines.

The operation includes over 1,500 acres (6.1 km2) of vineyards, and a tasting room and visitor center along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. In addition to wine, Parker is known for selling coon skin caps and bottle toppers at his winery, inspired by his Crockett and Boone characters.

Also noteworthy is the fact that Fess Parker was inducted as a Disney legend in 1991.

Parker is survived by his wife Marcella Belle Rinehart whom he married on January 18, 1960 and had had two children with: Fess Elisha III and Ashley Allen Rinehart. Fuenral announcements are pending.

We will miss you Fess. Thanks for all the memories. You are truly a Disney legend.

Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney who became a powerful behind-the-scenes influence on the family business, has died from cancer at the age of 79. Roy was born in 1930 and worked for the company as a writer and producer. However his most important influence was as a Disney shareholder who led two investor revolts.

Disney, who had been battling stomach cancer, died at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, according to Clifford A. Miller, a spokesman for Disney’s company Shamrock Holdings.

John Frost of The Disney Blog points out that rumors of his declining health had been swirling for the last few years since he stepped back from his joy – yacht racing. He adds that only recently, since his absence at the dedication of the Walt Disney Family Museum, have the rumors grown more serious.

Roy toiled for years in the shadow of his famous uncle and his father, Roy O. Disney. However the quiet man in the cardigan sweater often lovingly referred to as “that darn nephew” would emerge as a forceful protector of family traditions.

In 1984 he led a successful campaign to oust Walt Disney’s son-in-law, Ron Miller, from the company. Nearly 20 years later, he launched another successful shareholder revolt against Michael Eisner. At both times Roy was extremely upset at the direction (or lack thereof) that the company was headed in.

James Bates and Dawn C. Chmielewski of The L.A. Times have a most excellent write-up related to these two events when Roy used his power and influence to keep The Walt Disney Company on course with his uncle and father’s original vision.

Roy is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney – Tim Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, Abigail Disney, and Susan Disney Lord. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private, followed by cremation. His ashes will be scattered at sea. Plans for a Life Celebration will be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.

The Walt Disney Family Museum has announced its full schedule of events for the month of December, highlighting the premiere of Christmas with Walt Disney, a special holiday film showcasing Walt Disney’s Christmases past. Additional events include a concert by the String Circle Quarter and a candlelit Christmas program with the Artists’ Vocal Ensemble. In addition to this, Disney legends Blaine Gibson, Rolly Crump, and Richard Sherman come together to share their special memories of Walt on his birthday.

See below for the schedule of events sure to delight guests of the museum.

Film of the Month: Christmas with Walt Disney

Christmas with Walt Disney runs in the theater until January 4 and can be viewed 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm daily with the exception of Tuesdays, December 25, January 1, and December 5th at 12:30pm and 3:30pm.

This special holiday screening includes The Nutcracker Suite from Fantasia (1940), Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952), scenes from the television Christmas specials, and rarely seen home movies of Walt and his family. See how Walt celebrated Christmas at the Studio, at Disneyland, and at home.

December 5th – Memories of Walt: A Conversation with Legends

Join the museum on Walt’s birthday as you will hear from Disney Legends Blaine Gibson, Rolly Crump, and Richard Sherman as they share special memories of Walt. Blaine is the sculptor behind the Hall of Presidents, Rolly is one of the Imagineers behind “It’s a Small World” and “Haunted Mansion” and Richard wrote such Disney music classics as “It’s a Small World” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee”. It will be an extraordinary afternoon filled with stories, laughter, and reflection.

December 12th – String Circle Quartet

Concerts in the Special Exhibition Hall continue to shine light on composers of Fantasia with Schubert’s String Quartet in G. Henry Purcell’s delightful Suite from The Faery Queen—a bit of musical fantasy—is also performed. Joseph Edelberg, Anthony Martin, and Kati Kyme, violins, and Thalia Moore, cello.

December 19th & 20th – Artists’ Vocal Ensemble Concert: A Candlelight Christmas

Nothing is more magical than a choir performing classic Christmas songs and carols. The museum’s candlelight program will include European Renaissance motets and carols, contemporary American carols and anthems, and an audience sing-along led by Jonathan Dimmock.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is jump starting the holiday season with a series of screenings and lectures. Highlights include screenings of Sleeping Beauty in the Museum’s 114-seat auditorium and the premiere of Christmas with Walt Disney, a special holiday film showcasing Walt Disney’s Christmases past.

See below for the schedule of events sure to delight guests of the museum.

Film of the Month: Sleeping Beauty

The classic fairy tale of a princely kiss awaking a beautiful princess from a deep sleep is the subject of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.  Throughout the month of November, relive or discover for the first time the visually stunning animated feature, Sleeping Beauty as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this incredible film.

Sleeping Beauty will be shown daily in the museum’s auditorium until November 20th. Show times are 12:30pm, 3:30pm and 6:30pm.

November 14 -  International Animation Festival and the Screening of the Alice Comedies

Walt Disney’s first successful series of films, the Alice Comedies, were built around a clever special-effects idea: a real little girl entering a cartoon world and interacting with the cartoon characters.

The Walt Disney Family Museum will partner with the San Francisco International Animation Festival to present these charming films. A selection of the Alice Comedies can be seen during the Festival on Saturday, November 14 at the Embarcadero Cinema.

Tickets available on the SF Film Society website.

November 27 – Christmas with Walt Disney (Special Holiday Film Begins)

Walt Disney’s Christmases past are remembered in this special holiday screening that includes Walt’s “Nutcracker Suite” from Fantasia (1940), Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952), scenes from the television Christmas specials, and rarely seen home movies of Walt at home with his family.  See how Walt celebrated this beloved holiday at the Studio, at Disneyland, and at home.

Show times are 12:30pm, 3:30pm and  6:30pm.

November 21  – The Art of Sleeping Beauty with Lella Smith

The rich tapestry appearance is the visual hallmark of Sleeping Beauty and the primary vision of animator Eyvind Earle.  Lella Smith, Creative Director of Walt Disney Animation Studios Research Library, will discuss the unique art and design that brought Princess Aurora and her magical world to life 50 years ago.

This lecture will take place at 3:00 pm ion the Theater.

November 22  – Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Beyond: The Designs and Art of Herb Ryman

The first glimpse of the gleaming white towers of “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle” is a moment that few forget.  But, who designed Disneyland’s most recognizable landmark and the dream home of many a prince and princess? Here is the opportunity to discover the creativity of an early Imagineer, Herb Ryman, from Marty Sklar, former International Ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Mr. Sklar, who was with the Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for 53 years, will talk about the extraordinary talent of Herb Ryman that went beyond his work at Disneyland by sharing his art and designs.

This lecture will take place at 3:00 pm ion the Theater.

John Blackstone of CBS Sunday Morning News joins Diane Disney Miller and takes viewers on an insightful video tour around The Walt Disney Family Museum, which officially opens tomorrow, October 1, 2009 in the Presidio of San Francisco.

The video not only shows some of the state of the art technology that the museum employs but provides a brief history of who Walt Disney, the man himself, is and how what we know as “Disney” today all started with a mouse.

Built for approximately $110 million by the Disney family, the museum resides in the Presidio District of San Francisco in the converted barracks of an old Army base.

Everyone who enjoys a visit to the museum should thank Walt Disney’s daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Ron Miller, Walt’s namesake grandchild, Walter E.D. Miller, and other members of the Walt Disney Family Foundation. Diane was motivated to establish the museum in part by a few unflattering biographies of her father and some urban legends that had popped up about Walt’s life and death. But she also wanted today’s children and future generations to understand that her father was a real man with a very compelling and inspirational life story.

Her original plans to simply open the family’s leased warehouse loaded with Walt’s awards, art, miniatures, and other personal items to school field trips, Disney fans and small groups grew.  What visitors will now experience was influenced in part by her son, Walter, who said people would expect more than the impressive but static collection the family had assembled.

The original air date of the CBS video was September 27, 2009 and is displayed via YouTube here courtesy of CBS Sunday Morning News.

Besides the already great list of activities planned for Disney’s first ever D23 Expo, Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams, the extraordinary actresses of The Golden Girls, the voices of Donald Duck and Goofy, and other incomparable contributors to the Disney legacy will be honored on September 10 at the 2009 Disney Legends Awards.

The Disney Legends Awards are a 22-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, and the four-day D23 EXPO provides a rare opportunity for the public to watch the awards presentation.

The awards ceremony, hosted by ABC personality Tom Bergeron, will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.  It directly follows a special, one-hour presentation by Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger that kicks off the first day of the D23 EXPO – which promises to be the ultimate Disney fan event.

“This year’s recipients have had truly indelible influence on the Disney legacy,” Iger said.  “Whether on screen or behind the scenes, these 10 men and women have contributed their talents in countless ways, and we are very honored to name them as Disney Legends.”

The 2009 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

Tony Anselmo – A Disney animator who, since 1985, has provided the incomparable (and some would say inimitable) voice of Donald Duck in movies, cartoons, TV shows and theme-park attractions.

Harry Archinal – the former president of Buena Vista International, who helped expand Disney’s cinematic presence into regions outside of the U.S. and Canada, bringing Disney movies to audiences around the world.

Beatrice Arthur – She brought deadpan comic timing and enormous warmth to the role of Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992, a role that brought her a second Emmy Award (in addition to an Emmy for Maude).  She was also a Tony Award-winning stage actress and is in the Academy of Television Arts & Science’s Hall of Fame.  Note: This award is presented posthumously.

Bill Farmer – An accomplished voice actor whose enormous body of work has included providing the voice of Goofy since 1986.  Farmer has also been the voice of Pluto and Horace Horsecollar for Disney productions.

Estelle Getty – Although younger than Beatrice Arthur, Getty portrayed her mother, feisty Sophia Petrillo, in The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992. She received an Emmy Award for the role – which she reprised in Golden Palace and Empty Nest – and was nominated six additional times.  Getty was one of the first recipients of the “In Memoriam” Tony Award for her Broadway stage work.

Don Iwerks – The son of Walt Disney’s longtime friend and animator Ub Iwerks.  Don Iwerks worked at Disney from 1951 to 1986, and created revolutionary film systems that were used in movies like Mary Poppins (sodium traveling matte process) and in such Disney theme park attractions as “CircleVision 360” and “Star Tours.”

Rue McClanahan – Honored with an Emmy Award for her hilariously lusty, warm-hearted role as Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, which she also repeated on Golden Palace. From 1972 to 1978, McClanahan played opposite Beatrice Arthur as Vivian on Maude, and also co-starred in Mama’s Family.  In addition to her renowned work on TV, on stage and in films, McClanahan is active in animal-rights, cancer and AIDS organizations.

Leota Toombs Thomas – Leota was working at Walt Disney Imagineering (then WED Enterprises) when she served as a model for a new attraction called the Haunted Mansion.  She soon became world-famous as the Mansion’s disembodied Madame Leota.

Betty White – Betty has become a television icon, especially for her role as slightly befuddled, always charming Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls – for which she received one of her six Emmy Awards.  White has also been a key cast member in such hit TV shows as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Palace, The Practice and her own series, The Betty White Show.  She has been seen in 19 films and has long supported many animal-rights organizations.

Robin Williams – The recipient of six Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Grammy Awards and the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (1997).  His unforgettable film work for Disney has included providing the voice of Genie in Aladdin and starring in Good Morning, Vietnam, and Dead Poets Society.  He also appeared in the short film Back to Neverland at Disney theme parks.  This fall, Williams stars with John Travolta in Old Dogs from Walt Disney Pictures.

Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients also participate in a hand-print ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

The first Disney Legend, actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), was named in 1987.  Including this year’s honorees, a total of 237 Disney Legends have been named which include names like include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters.