Marc Davis, Disney Legend, Dies
Marc Davis and his wife Alice
Marc Davis, Disney Legend
Father of Tinkerbell Dies at Age 86
With each day, comes nightfall. With each summer comes a winter. With each bit of laughter, time eventually tempers it with equal sorrow. It's time for the world to cry while we celebrate the laughter and genius of a dear friend and special loved one, Marc Davis.
There are no words except the hollow response of yes, the sun has set on this special life and the time has come to put down the pen and brush and move on to whatever lies past the stars.
One of the only people to be called "genius" by Walt Disney, Marc's incredible imagination and talent sparked laughter and a lifetime of memories for millions of people around the world.
From Tinker Bell to Pirates of the Caribbean, Marc Davis' touch will forever resound throughout the halls of Disney. If there is one single individual who contributed as much to the Company as Walt himself, it was Marc. Characters, attractions and magic were this man's business. And no one did it better. No one will ever do it better.
We love you, Marc. The world stands by you, dearest Alice. This precious man will always be our captain, our inspiration and our friend. We toast you, salute you and bid you a peaceful rest.
The LaughingPlace.com staff wishes to extend their condolences to the friends and family of this marvelous man with special love to his wife, Alice.
Related Links
-- Posted January 13, 2000
Features Marc Davis' fine art and biography
Rick's inaugural West Side of the Kingdom column in which Rick discuses his
personal history with Marc Davis.
-- Story by Rick West. Picture by Doobie Moseley
Below are comments from readers reflecting on the recent death of Marc Davis. These comments will be passed along to his wife, Alice Davis. If you wish to send your thoughts and letters without listing them on the site please send them to Rick@themeparkadventure.com .
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Dear Alice, Well where to begin I love all the contributions Marc has done for the Walt Disney Co. Marc has also created my favorite charecters which is TinkerBell and of course Maleifecent from Sleeping Beuty When I met him a few years ago at the Disneyana convention it was like a dream come true I am truly saddened to hear of his passing which I wish i could have been on the mainland to see what Disney had done in memory for his life as a Disney animater He will truly have a very big place in my heart for a lifetime My prayers are with you Alice and your Family TTFN Daniel Bowen "TNKRBLDAN" :O) Marc Davis was an "American Origional" The "Magic" that came from his pen,touched millions of people and thanks to Disney Parks, videos and books,future generations will have smile on their face,thank's to this man. I was lucky to meet him at shows and he would love to look at his work, tell an amusing story about it. He was like a favorite uncle you looked forward to see, knowing something special was going to happen. Alice is a very special person too. A warm smile,a great laugh and lady who has "Magic" too with needle and thread. Many I didn't know Marc, nor did I know a lot about him. however, I feel like I lost a family member. Being a Walt Disney World College Program Alumni, Fall 1996, I feel like everyone connected to Walt is, in some way, family. I'm not sure why. I suppose because I feel like only a family can give the world such joy and happiness. Your husband created amazing characters, and was an absolute genius. I, for one, will never forget his impact on the animation, nor will I forget his impact on my life, indirect as it may have been. The world is a better place for having had the privelage to have your husband in it. Thank you for allowing me to express my feelings. I wish you all the luck in world, and all the love in the universe. God bless. Marc Davis was a living reminder of the Disney dream. His creations still continue to bring joy and happiness to millions of people. Upon hearing of his passing I felt as if I had lost a member of my family. I never met him but I felt I knew him from his creations. His characters and attractions still remain some of my favorites. His passing is sad news to anyone who has every seen one of his movies or experienced one of his attractions. He will be missed. Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, World of Motion, the list goes on and on. Marc's work will live on, in the form of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and other works he left his mark on. There will be many people who will continue to admire his work, in future generations. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him, or even seeing him, I was really saddened by his passing. Marc Davis was a great man he helped form want Disney became. Without his input the Disney Company would not be as great as it is today. Marc will surely be missed by everyone that he touched. I may not of known him personally but from what I have read about him over the years he was a very gived man. He put his whole heart in to everything he did. My heart goes out to his wife Alice. Marc Walt is waiting for you up in heaven he has a plan for a greater theme park. Rest in Peace The world has truly lost one of it's wonders. A man who has given many people true joy and magic in their lives. Thank you Marc. I too can't describe the loss I felt with the passing of this wonderful man, and feel especially sad that I never got a chance to meet him. The feeling is much like losing a favorite uncle/grandfather who's had such a profound influence in your life but whom you've never really met face to face. But I've felt really close to him seeing him talk in my LD collection and reading all about him all these years. My only consolation albeit nothing compared to meeting him is that I was able to get a Cinderella litho a couple of years back with his autograph. Never getting the chance to frame it, it's a good time as ever to pay tribute to him and finally having it framed and hang in my bedroom wall. I thank him and I pray for him and Alice that God will reward him for all the joy his broughtcountless generations. He's had truly an important influence in my life and as an artist, in particular, a painter, sculptor, musician, actor and a singer, I admit that all this inspiration came from my childhood memory of Walt and Marc's masterpiece that is Cinderella. My first production ever was a puppet show of Cinderella when I was a child. It still remains my favorite. As a child, I loved Disneyland and anything associated with Disney (i.e., cartoons, movies, toys, etc.). What has been fascinating as an adult is learning the history behind Walt Disney and the Disney company. When I see how much Mr. Davis created for the Disney films and parks, I can't believe it. What I mean is, Mr. Davis's work is still so much a part of me today -- how much I love Disneyland, how I can ride through Pirates over and over and love every minute of it. He is responsible for a big portion of what makes me happiest, what inspires me the most. For that, I am so grateful and I thank you, Marc Davis. My thoughts are with Mrs. Davis and I hope she takes comfort in how much she and her husband brought to the many Disney fans everywhere. Marc Davis was not only a talented animator, but a wonderful man. He shared so much of himself with his many fans in recent years giving us a greater appreciation of animation and Marc. I returned home this evening to to learn of a deeply sadening event. We have lost a man unlike any other. Marc Davis was an idol of mine. Being only 18 years old, I can only dream of some day being as great as he was. I won't even try to justify his accomplishments for they all convincingly speak for themselves. My prayers go out to Alice Davis. Marc Davis was a true legend and we will never forget him. When I heard Marc Davis had passed on Dear Mrs. Davis, I have been deeply saddened by the passing of Marc Davis. His genius will be sorely missed. Words can not express my grief. I feel as if a member of my family is gone. I guess it is because Disneyland and Disney animation are as much a part of my family as the live members are. May the Lord bless you and keep you close to his heart. I am deeply sadden about the loss of Marc Davis.He will live on forever in the heart of his fans. Dear Alice - Dear Alice, Most people see a Disney movie, or visit a Disney theme park, and, perhaps, don't give a second thought about the creative talent that brought about the movie or attraction that they are enjoying. I've always been just about as interested in the "behind-the-scenes" as in the films and parks themselves. Though I never would have dreamed it a few years back, in recent years I've had the priviledge to hear many of the Disney creative men and women speak, and to meet some of them. It took very special people to create the characters and attractions that I love so much, and Marc Davis was certainly exceptionally special. I so thankful Walt Disney was wise enough to recognize his talent and potential. I'm also thankful for organizations like NFFC, whose members really care about the Disney heritage, and who have given these special people the recognition they so richly deserve, and for giving me the opportunity to hear their stories and get to know more about them. And, for publications like The "E" Ticket, Theme Park Adventure, and others that have chronicled their stories. As much as we wish those people who've touched our lives in special ways could be with us forever, it is a painful fact of life that someday they must leave us. But some, like Marc Davis, will live on through the legacy of their art, and in our hearts. My prayers are with Alice and all the family and friends. I met Marc once at Disneyland a few years ago and consider the experience to be on the greatest in my life. If artistic success is measured by the number of people who enjoy the art, Marc Davis is arguably the most successful single artist of the 20th Century. His creations will continue to be viewed by millions for years to come. So in a real sense, this quiet genius has acheived immortality as his work continues to be enjoyed for future generations. I never met Marc but he is, along with Walt Disney and my father one of the greatest influences in my life. Marc is the reason I want to become an Imagineer and artist for the Walt Disney Company. All my sorrow goes out to you Alice. We have lost one of the truly great thinkers, and more importantly, one of the great people of the 20th century. I met Marc and his incredible wife, Alice at the Seattle Art Museum last year. (April 17, 1999) It was so wonderful, being able to talk to these fantastic Disney legends. Alice, I am so sorry. Marc has touched the heart of anyone who has ever been to Disneyland or seen one of his movies. He will live on always. We will keep his memory alive. Marc was one of my dad's special friends. As fellow Imagineers, they often shared lunch at Alfonzo's in Toluca Lake, where the steaks were good and the martinis even better. They were quite a team: Marc would design the attraction's concepts and my dad's group would figure out how to build it. I would like to think of him now as being the 1,000th Happy Haunt, his spirit watching over us all.....farewell to a truly special man, thanks for all you gave us. "IN MEMORY OF OUR PATRIARCH dearly departed Grandpa Marc." Thanks for the memories, Marc. Alice, Without the gift of Mr. Davis, magic would not be as real as Disneyland is real. God Bless. Dear Alice, It is mind boggling what this one man has created and how much he has contributed to my life with his Disney creations. My thoughts and prayers are with Alice and his whole family. Thank you for sharing him with us for all these years. Note: Information in reader comments is sometimes based on rumors or incorrect information and should not be assumed true. Reader comments do not necessarily reflect the opinion of LaughingPlace.com or its editors.
I only had the chance to see Marc in person twice, but I really cherish the memories of those times. He and you were really gracious and friendly at the Pirates 30th event at the Disneyland Disney Gallery. I was too starstruck to say anything memorable, but I appreciated the warm manner in which you both treated me. I was also fortunate enough to attend the Haunted Mansion 30th event, and it was wonderful to hear his stories and see artwork of his that hadn't been shown to the public before. I know there's nothing I can say to lessen your loss, but I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated him and you sharing yourselves with us fans. God Bless You.
Kevin Beltzner
-- Kevin Duck (3/17/2000)
-- Danieltink (2/25/2000)
Thank's "Uncle Marc" for the rides,shows and features.. VOX'S
-- voxs (1/30/2000)
-- pooh-buzz (1/28/2000)
-- leyna (1/20/2000)
-- Robert (1/19/2000)
-- mickey55 (1/18/2000)
-- melissafent (1/18/2000)
Thank you Mr. Davis for making the wish of my dreams come true! May God reward you a hundredfold and my you rest in peace.
-- Prince Gerard (1/17/2000)
-- Kerrie (1/15/2000)
Alice, while not as personally as you, we share your grief. But we also celebrate the life of this wonderful man. The world is a happier place because Marc and Alice Davis were here to help create those Disney classics and Walt's wonderful parks. Thank you.
-- jiminyc (1/15/2000)
-- mrt0ad13 (1/15/2000)
I could not help but think of the movie Sleeping Beauty. Selfish? Maybe, but I knew he was a key to the wonderful cinema that the movie turned out to be. Having never met the man, perhaps the biggest compliment I could give to him would be to talk about his work. It would be disingenuous to speak glowingly without paying respect to that work. I have always said that Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Walt Disney Pictures movie. The key to the whole movie is the reality and fluidity of the characters. Simply put, they look real. You don't realize you are watching an animated movie at any point in the film. Just as you don't realize you are on a "ride" at any point on Pirates of the Caribbean. And that is perhaps the best compliment one could ever give an artist.
-- dlport (1/14/2000)
I grew up on your husband's work. It has been a longtime dream for me to meet him, and I am so sad that he has passed on. Words can't express what I feel like.
He IS a legend. He always will be. Marc Davis. THE Marc Davis. He lives on through his heart-touching work.
Thank you so much, and thank you Marc for bringing me endless joy.
Endless.
I will never forget the first time I screamed when Maleficent turned into a ferocious dragon. I will never forget the first time Cruella DeVil stared at me with bloodshot eyes, driving like a maniac. I will never forget the first time I sang along with some rowdy Pirates of the Caribbean. Or the first time I listened to Jose, Pierre, Michael and Fritz sing that enchanting melody.
The truth is, Mrs. Davis, your husband touched more people than he could ever know. I hope someday I could have as great an impact as he has.
Marc Davis has brought me some of the happiest moments in my life.
And I'll never forget them or him.
My heart goes out to you, Mrs. Davis, and all of your family.
Sincerely,
Drew H.
-- 45YearsofMagic (1/14/2000)
-- aflannery57 (1/14/2000)
-- ghost host1 (1/14/2000)
After years of visiting Disney World - I had to know who was behind the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. I found out that Marc had alot to do with these marvels. Though I never met him - I feel like I have - his work brought joy to my life - his work brought happiness to my days - his life brought many children a million times over the same joy these attractions still bring me. I am twenty - six. I am sure someday they will bring joy to my children - my grandchildren and so on...Marc lives on - in the happiness and the giddy childish laughter we hear from Disney World and Disney Land each day. God rest your soul merry gentleman...
-- greenghost999 (1/14/2000)
After years of visiting Walt Disney World and wondering "WHO DID THIS", I finally found out at the Official Disneyana Convention in 1992. It was in large part Marc Davis. After moving to California in 1995 and being able to attend many more Disney events, I came to appreciate the immense talent of this single man. We will miss his gracious manner at future Disney events. Please know how much he was loved by ALL Disney fans everywhere. With much love, Linda Yatsko
-- lindayatsko (1/14/2000)
Don Bitz, LA Chapter NFFC
-- DBitz (1/14/2000)
We will never see his kind again.
-- chrislow (1/14/2000)
-- disneyfreak4099 (1/14/2000)
-- Plutochick (1/14/2000)
An an artist in the animation department, my stepmother, Mary, worked closly with Marc and Ward Kimball. Marc was recognized by his peers as being in a class of his own. He had a special talent for animating animals because he understood the physiology of the actual creatures he was drawing.
Many don't know that he was responsible for designing the original AudioAnimatronic figures: the animals installed at Nature's Wonderland in Disneyland, which was one of Walt's favorite attractions. They preceeded his work on the Enchanted Tiki Room.
Sharon and I often saw Marc and Alice at WDW, Disneyland, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, etc. Marc was always gracious and accepted praise with humility. He seemed amused by the attention accorded him later in his life. He took his work seriously, but not himself. He never lost his sense of humor or that special twinkle in his eye when telling another amusing ancedote, which seemingly were endless.
Someone once remarked that God must be planning one heck of a theme park because He keeps calling Disney talent to Heaven. Well, He just got one of Disney's best.
Sharon and I send our loving thoughts to his dear Alice.
Quoting Walt the very last time he saw him: "Good bye, Marc."
--Michael Broggie
-- Carolwood (1/13/2000)
-- momluvsbeanies (1/13/2000)
-- Century789 (1/13/2000)
-- DrFeelGood1 (1/13/2000)
First off, my deepest wishes for you and yours. I just recently lost my Father back in September, and can understand the grief that's being felt. I actually had the opportunity to meet both you and Marc quite a few years ago at a signing at the Disney Gallery. The signing was for photo reproductions of Marcs' work on the "Pirates of the Caribbean". I drove from Northern California by myself that morning, just to meet and shake the hand of one of my heroes. Once I got into Disneyland, I was amazed to see the line to get the artwork. I waited for well over 4 hours in a line that stretched farther than I ever had to wait in for either Pirates, or Haunted Mansion! (Thanks Marc) :-)
Once I actually got up the stairs to the gallery and inside, there were 4 or 5 watercolors of scenes, which Marc had painted. They were all on easels, and as I got closer to them, I picked one up to take a closer look. I thought that these were copies of the artwork we had a chance to purchase for $25.00 and have Marc sign. As I was holding it a security guard came over and nicely asked me to put the artwork down, as it was a original watercolor. I was SHOCKED! I actually was holding in my had one of Marcs' original works which he probably showed to Walt while pitching ideas. I turned the artwork over, and it had some numbers, and a stamp saying that it was original artwork, initialed by Walt Disney. I don't know if he had put his initials on it approving it or what, but my hands began to shake. I put it down, and proceeded to document all this artwork I had never seen before in any Disney publications. I shot slides that day, and have copies of all of Marcs' work, which was shown.
After the main entrance room, the line twisted, turned, and finally got to the room that the two of you were in. I had Marc not only sign my pieces, but I had also asked him to draw a small "anything" on one of my Pirates prints (it was the print of the pirates behind bars, trying to coax the dog to give them the key). He drew a small skull on a stake, which made me laugh, as it probably was the pirates' destiny since that darn dog was never giving them the key! I had taken a couple pictures of the two of you as Marc signed my pieces, and then was whisked off out of the room. I know that the day must have been long on Marc, as the Gallery had let him take a couple of breaks, stopping the line a couple times. I went back to the Gallery later that early evening to pick up my artwork, and to my surprise, Marc was still there. He was just standing in the courtyard in the rear of the gallery, and was just "people watching", as no one there really knew who he was.
He made me laugh, as I thought of all these people walking through the gallery admiring the art, not knowing that a Disney Legend, and one of Walt's' "9 Old Men" was just feet away! I walked up, introduced myself, and had a very nice conversation with him. We talked for almost 20 minutes, and I had to pinch myself to believe that it I was actually there with him. I had a couple pictures taken to capture the moment (and prove to all my friends that I wasn't a liar!) and thanked him for all his contributions to not only animation, but to the lives of all future children who would watch his characters. I thanked him for everyone who ever sang with the Pirates, and laughed at the hitchhiking ghosts. That night I left the park, and felt as if I had just met one of my heroes. I'll never forget that day.
If you would like copies of my pictures from that day, please just send an email. They came out really nice. Especially the one of both you and Marc behind the signing table. I think Beverly from the gallery is also in that picture. Marc was the definitive animator of the female from in Disney cartoons, and his legacy will never be surpassed.
Thanks for the memories Marc.
Robert L. Archuleta
-- club33 (1/13/2000)
-- dsnyvln (1/13/2000)
We will miss Marc very much. We always looked forward to seeing you and Marc at the various NFFC and Disney functions. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Karen & Peter Pizzarello
-- disnefile (1/13/2000)
-- amickeylvr (1/13/2000)
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