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Who are the 543 Disney characters in 'Once Upon a Studio'?
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To commemorate The Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary on Oct. 16, 2023, Walt Disney Animation Studios debuted "Once Upon A Studio," an all-new short featuring not 100, but several hundred Disney characters, (543 to be exact) from classic to modern – and everywhere in between. Join us as we attempt to identify them.
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Transcript
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INTERN: It's so incredible to think that Walt started Disney Animation 100 years ago today. To think of all those talented artists and wonderful characters who have been a part of the studio over the years.
Burny Mattinson: Yep.
The short begins with Disney Legend – and longest-serving Disney employee at 70 years – Burny Mattinson (Animation • 2008) (who filmed the opening scene just six months before he passed away in February 2023) telling a young intern...
Burny Mattinson: If these walls could talk.
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"For 70 years, Burny was such an important part of this studio," said Disney Animation President Clark Spencer. "His career spans everything from working in the mailroom to being an animator and story artist to directing feature films to being the best mentor anyone could ever ask for."
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| Remembering Burny Mattinson (1935–2023) Animation • 2008 |
Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, who worked as an animator, director, producer, and story artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios during an unprecedented 70-year career, passed away Monday, February 27, at Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California, following a short illness. He was 87 years old.
Mattinson was the longest-serving cast member in the history of The Walt Disney Company and was due to receive his 70th anniversary service award (the first ever) on June 4.
Among Mattinson's achievements were a solo directing credit on the animated featurette Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983), which returned Mickey Mouse to the silver screen for the first time in 30 years, and a role as producer as well as co-director of the 1986 Disney feature The Great Mouse Detective.
Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios, said, "Burny's artistry, generosity, and love of Disney Animation and the generations of storytellers that have come through our doors, for seven decades, has made us better—better artists, better technologists, and better collaborators. All of us who have had the honor to know him and learn from him will ensure his legacy carries on."
Academy Award®-winning Disney director Don Hall said, "For almost 30 years, I've had the privilege to work alongside Burny Mattinson, from Winnie the Pooh to Big Hero 6 to, most recently, Strange World. I have marveled at his artistry, enjoyed his good humor, and sat enraptured by his stories of Disney history. At 18 years old, he followed his dream of working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, and for almost 70 years he lived that dream every day, inspiring all of us who had the good fortune to follow in his footsteps. I love him dearly."
Mattinson was still working full-time at Walt Disney Animation Studios as a story consultant and mentor at the time of his passing. Long before Strange World (2022) and Big Hero 6 (2014), he worked as an artist on such classics as Lady and the Tramp (1955), One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), The Sword in the Stone (1963), The Jungle Book (1967), and The Rescuers (1977). He served as a key member of the story team on contemporary Disney classics including Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Mulan (1998), and Tarzan (1999). He served as the story supervisor on the 2011 theatrical feature Winnie the Pooh and contributed to the 2007 Goofy short How to Hook Up Your Home Theater.
For decades, Mattinson worked to pass along the Disney legacy by inspiring new generations of storytellers and filmmakers. "Burny was the Renaissance man of Disney Animation," said legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg, a close friend and colleague of Mattinson's. "He literally did everything that could be done at the studio—assistant animator, animator, story artist, producer, and director of many films that made an indelible mark on our collective appreciation of the Disney ethos. He was also, when he started, traffic boy to Walt, giving Walt his weekly spending cash."
Speaking of Mattinson's art, Goldberg added, "Burny was low-key, charming, inventive, and superbly gifted as a draftsperson and a storyteller. His storyboards were beautifully acted and wonderfully atmospheric, which I first encountered when I joined the studio for Aladdin. The more I saw of his work, the more I became in awe of his breadth of talent. I value his cheerful friendship and lasting inspiration to me and so many other animation artists. He will be missed, but not forgotten."
Burnett Mattinson was born in San Francisco on May 13, 1935, the first of two children. Before he was 6 years old, his mother took him to the San Francisco Orpheum Theatre, where he saw Walt Disney's Pinocchio. "Ever since I saw that film, this was my dream—to work in this business," Mattinson once recalled. "So, I worked every day, drawing."
His father, a drummer with Horace Heidt's Big Band, moved the family to Los Angeles after the band's demise in 1945, and Mattinson continued drawing through his school years. By the time he was 12, he was skillfully drawing Disney-style cartoons, and he kept dreaming of being a Disney artist.
After his high school graduation, his mother drove him to Burbank and dropped him off at the Studio gate. A kindly guard took a look at the teenager's portfolio and called the head of the personnel department. Mattinson got an interview and a job, beginning in the mailroom. Six months later, and with no formal art training, he started work as an in-betweener on Lady and the Tramp.
He was promoted to assistant animator under Disney Legend Marc Davis on Sleeping Beauty and continued in that capacity on One Hundred and One Dalmatians. When that film ended, he began a 12-year stint with Disney Legend Eric Larson, working on a variety of projects including Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color television series (1961-1979), The Sword in the Stone, Mary Poppins (1964), The Jungle Book, and The Aristocats (1970).
After completing an eight-week internal training program, Mattinson became an animator on Robin Hood (1973) and a key animator on Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too (1974), working with Disney Legend Ollie Johnston. Disney Legend Frank Thomas saw Mattinson's thumbnail sketches and asked him to help on storyboards for The Rescuers. "Storyboards are as close to direction as you can get," Mattinson later said. "You're telling cameras where to go, what's happening onscreen, where to cut, and really making a blueprint for the film."
Inspired by a Disneyland Records Christmas album, Mattinson brazenly sent it, along with a note containing an idea for a film, to Ron Miller, then head of the studio. The next day, Mattinson was summoned by Miller. Mattinson feared that his boldness had been a gaffe, but was pleasantly surprised when the studio chief agreed with his idea, assigning the startled animator to direct Mickey's Christmas Carol, which he also produced. This success led to his contribution as producer and director on The Great Mouse Detective.
"Animation is 75 percent thinking and 25 percent drawing," Mattinson once said. "Everything must be carefully thought out first. Our animators not only have to think like actors but also figure out how to get that performance across on paper and on the screen. Our characters pause to think and connive. You can see it in their eyes."
He added, "The important thing to remember about good animation is that less is more. Moving the characters too much is the sign of a real amateur. We put our efforts into more subtle, carefully thought out actions that communicate the point clearly and in an entertaining way."
Mattinson was named a Disney Legend in 2008. He set the cast member longevity record on March 5, 2018, when he passed the previous record—held by Disney artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend John Hench—of 64 years, eight months, and 29 days (or 23,651 days).
When asked to reflect on his long Disney career at the half-century mark, Mattinson said, "I mean, 50 years is a long time, but I still feel like that 18-year-old kid that came here back in '53, you know? I never feel like I've gotten old."
Mattinson is survived by his wife, Ellen Siirola; his sister, Doralee Monte; his son, Brett Mattinson, and his wife, Kelly, and their two children; and his daughter, Genny, her husband Larry Ellena, and their two children. Funeral services will be private, and he will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MPTF (Motion Picture and Television Fund) in Woodland Hills, California.
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When Burny closes the door, it sets off a flurry of activity as unlikely combinations of Disney characters make their way to the front of the building for a 100th-anniversary photo (all thanks to a little pixie dust from Tinker Bell (voiced by an unknown voice actor – she can only speak in Japanese, not in English?).
So, let's take a look at "Once Upon a Studio" scene-by-scene and see how many characters we can identify before we get to the big photo finish.
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"Once Upon a Studio" Scene-by-Scene
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After Burny shuts the door, Mickey (Chris Diamantopoulos) calls for Tinker Bell (and when he's sure the coast is clear).
Mickey: Psst! Tink. Tinker Bell. You there?
Is that it? They all gone?
Tinker Bell: (in Japanese) Thanks for coming today! I'm so happy. Cheese is having his day off, so I needed some help. Please help deliver this for me! Don't forget to go to all the seasons.
Mickey: Oh, boy! Come on, Minnie! This is it!
He and Minnie (Kaitlyn Robrock) jump out of their frame and set off to gather the rest of the gang.
Minnie: Let's get the gang! Yoo-hoo!
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Down the hall, Princess Tiana (Anika None Rose, Voice • 2011) gathers Pinocchio (Griffen Campbell), Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) from "Zootopia," and her "Princess and the Frog" pal Louis the Alligator (Michael-Leon Wooley).
Tiana: (GASPS) There's the signal. All right, y'all! (GRUNTS) It's vacation time.
Pinocchio: That's tonight? Tiana: That's now.
Judy: 100-year group delivery service at Fantasy Springs. And the sun's going down. Come on. Let's hop to it!
Nick: Ooh, a bunny pun. (CHUCKLES) Got to like that.
*(HORN BLOWING)*
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Mickey passes three framed scenes from "Bambi."
Mickey: Vacation time, guys!
Thumper: (CHUCKLES) Okay! Here we come!
Bambi, Thumper (Ian R'Mante & Peter Behn), and Flower (Stan Alexander) jump out to wake up Orville, Bernard (Bob Newhart), and Miss Bianca from "The Rescuers."
Thumper*: Wake up! Wake up!
They narrowly miss Minnie with Bolt, Mittens, and Rhino (Mark Walton) from "Bolt" when Orville crash lands.
Bernard*: (EXCLAIMS) Rhino*: Awesome!
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Minnie enlists the help of Peter Pan (Lee Slobotkin and Bobby Driscoll) to fly with Wendy, John, and Michael to "get the folks upstairs."
Minnie: Oh, Peter! Get the folks upstairs!
Peter: Aye, aye, Captain. *Come on, everybody. Here we go!*
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TINKER BELL: ♪ What is this place?
Adventure's calling
A gentle breeze stirs up a distant dream
Your heart is leaping
Your mind is racing
To a wondrous spring where the water around you connects everything
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The Second Floor
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When they reach the second-floor landing, Peter and the kids are intercepted by Sisu (Awkwafina) from "Raya and the Last Dragon," who's apparently racing Jim Hawkins (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) from "Treasure Planet" through the hallway.
*(SISU GASPS, LAUGHS)*
JIM*: Whoo-hoo!
Around the corner, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) from "Moana" turns into a giant bird.
Maui: It's Maui time!
He heads up the stairs as he reminds Aladdin (Scott Weinger) and Abu (Frank Welker) to meet in the lobby.
Maui: We're leaving for Fantasy Springs!
Aladdin: Okay! (GRUNTS) See you there!
*(ABU CHIRPS)*
Hot on their wheels is Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) in her kart-racer with Dodger (Billy Joel) from "Oliver & Company" riding shotgun.
Vanellope*: Whoo-hoo!
Dodger*: (BARKS)
Then, Elliott (Charlie Callas) from "Pete's Dragon" swoops by with Cody (Adam Ryen) from "The Rescuers" (passing Wayne and Lanny from "Prep and Landing").
Cody*: Whoa! Higher!
Elliott*: (MUTTERING)
Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) rides in on a wave, catching Flounder (Luke Lowe) just in the nick of time – except he needs...
Flounder: Water.
Moana dashes to the Snuggly Ducking (a nod to "Tangled"), where Merlin (Jim Meskimen) is busy serving tea to Cogsworth (Bob Joles), Mrs. Potts, and Chip from "Beauty and the Beast;" The Mad Hatter (Alan Tudyk) and March Hare from "Alice in Wonderland," and Dr. Lucille Krunklehorn from "Meet the Robinsons."
Cogsworth: No! There's no time for tea.
Moana: Merlin! A little help?
Merlin: Oh! Uh, oh, ah. Chapeauious Bowlious!
Luckily for Flounder (and thanks to Merlin), the Hatter's hat makes a handy fish bowl (despite no help being offered by a passing penguin waiter from "Mary Poppins" who's carrying a plate of spaghetti and meatballs a la "Lady and the Tramp").
Mad Hatter: (CHUCKLES) Oh, waiter, there's a carp in my cap. (LAUGHS)
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Passing Stromboli (Charles Judels) from "Pinocchio" struggling with a vending machine, Anna (Kristen Bell, Film & Voice • 2022) wonders aloud to Elsa (Idina Menzel, Film & Voice • 2022) if all the villains will be part of the photo.
Stromboli*: (GRUMBLING)
Anna: Yikes! Do you think all the villains will show up?
Elsa: Hmm. Not all.
Elsa's snow flurry ensures at least once villain (namely Hans (Santino Fontana)) remains inside his frame.
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Following Mickey and Minnie's instructions, Donald (Tony Anselmo, Voice • 2009 and Clarence Nash, Voice • 2009) calls the elevator only to find it already packed with Terk from "Tarzan," Carl (Harland Williams) from "Meet the Robinsons," Mother Gothel from "Tangled," plus Ranger Woodlore and Humphrey, the Bear.
Carl: Going down?
But just as the doors are about to close...
FLASH: Hold the…
...Flash (Raymond S. Persi) from "Zootopia" asks Donald to hold the...
Flash: elevator.
Donald*: Huh? (MUMBLING)
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Meanwhile, Olaf (Josh Gad, Film & Voice • 2022) from "Frozen" is working at an animation desk and Pumbaa and Timon (Nathan Lane) from "The Lion King" pass his door and tell him to hurry.
Timon: Hey, Frosty! Shake a leg, will ya?
Olaf: The leg won't make a difference. It's all in the wrist.
Genie (voiced by the late great Robin Williams (Film & Voice • 2009) appears from the sketch pad.
Genie*: Oi! I haven't seen a fall like that since Rome.
Olaf: (GRUNTS, CHUCKLES)
Genie*: Oh! Much better.
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At the men's room mirror, Gaston (Richard White) from "Beauty and the Beast" is getting ready for the photo, along with Prince John from "Robin Hood," Thomas O'Malley from "The Aristocats," Chicken Little, Milo from "Atlantis: The Lost Empire," Happy from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," and the Headless Horseman from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
Gaston: ♪ Every guy here
Would love to be you, Gaston ♪ (CHUCKLES)
Oh, and the Cheshire Cat (Sterling Holloway, Voice • 1991) from "Alice in Wonderland."
Cheshire Cat*: (LAUGHS)
Minnie reminds the men to "get moving."
Minnie: Let's move it, gentlemen!
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Pooh (Sterling Holloway, Voice • 1991) enlists the help of Christopher Robin, Kanga, and Eeyore to help him get out of his frame.
Pooh*: Ooh! Ooh, help, and bother.
Antonio (Ravi Cabot-Conyers) from "Encanto" is having a walk-and-talk with Pua from "Moana," Meeko from "Pocahontas," Pascal from "Tangled," Cri-Kee from "Mulan," and a pair of cheerful bluebirds from "Cinderella".
Antonio: Uh-huh. Leaving for Fantasy Springs. Don't eat those.
He reminds Joanna (Frank Welker) from "The Rescuers" not to eat Jaq and Gus (Jimmy Macdonald, Voice • 1993) from "Cinderella" (with help from Pluto (Bill Farmer, Voice • 2009)).
Pluto: (BARKING) Joanna*: (EXCLAIMS)
Jaq/Gus*: (CHUCKLES)/Zuk, zuk!
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In the lobby, the "101 Dalmatians" pups are watching "Fantasia" as Angus McBadger, Rat, and Mole from "Wind in the Willows" along with Ryder, Honeymaren, Kristoff (Jonathan Groff, Film & Voice • 2022), and Sven from "Frozen" pass through, with Kristoff advising the puppies (a little late) to stop watching the scary scene.
Kristoff: Come on, puppies. You're gonna have nightmares.
When they scurry away from Chernabog, the puppies cause Scrooge McDuck (Alan Young) to drop his bags of money...
Scrooge McDuck*: (EXCLAIMS) Whoa!
...much to the delight of Robin Hood (Daniel Wolfe) and Little John (Richard Epcar).
Robin Hood & Little John: Oo-De-Lally.
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Finally, Flash joins the (now annoyed) Donald and crew at the elevator.
Flash: Thank you… for holding… the elevator.
Donald: (GROANS)
And at the last minute, Baymax (Scott Adsit) from "Big Hero 6" squeezes in.
BAYMAX: I am also going to the Fantasy Springs.
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On another landing, Ursula (Pat Carroll) is followed by a lovestruck Splat from "Strange World".
(SPLAT SQUEAKING)
Ursula*: Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no…
Splat: (SQUEAKS)
Cinderella (Jennifer Hale) and Prince Charming (Keith Ferguson) descend the stairs. When the prince loses a shoe, the two share a laugh until Max (Frank Welker) (Prince Eric's dog from "The Little Mermaid") runs away with the footwear.
Prince Charming: Hey, Max! Eric, get your dog!
Cinderella: Go, Max, go!
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Mickey comes up the stairs and is concerned to see Kaa (Sterling Holloway, Voice • 1991) from "The Jungle Book," hypnotizing Clarabelle.
Kaa*: ♪ Trust in me
Just in me ♪
Mickey: Kaa? Kaa! You... You stop that now, Kaa!
Rapunzel: Don't worry, Mickey. (CHUCKLES) I got this.
Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) assures him that she (and her trusty frying pan) has everything under control.
(THUD) *(KAA GROANS)*
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That's when Mickey notices a portrait of Walt, and they share a moment as "Feed the Birds" from "Mary Poppins" (Walt's favorite song) plays in the background. (It was recently recorded by Richard Sherman (Music • 1990) in Walt's office.). Minnie calls Mickey to the lobby.
MINNIE: Oh, Mickey, where'd you go? We're leaving for Fantasy Springs!
Mickey: (CHUCKLES) Got to go, but thanks. On with the show.
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| Remembering Richard Sherman (1928–2024) Music • 1990 |
Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, half of the Academy Award®-winning songwriting team of the Sherman Brothers (with his late brother, Disney Legend Robert B. Sherman), passed away Saturday, May 25, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, due to age-related illness. He was 95 years old. One of the most prolific composer-lyricists in the history of family entertainment, and a key member of Walt Disney's inner circle of creative talents, Richard garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars® for his work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins), won three GRAMMY® Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65 year career. His career ran the gamut from the early days of rock n' roll (with such hits as "You're Sixteen") and television to Broadway and Hollywood.
Generations of moviegoers and theme park guests have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers' magnificent and timeless songs. Even today, the duo's work remains the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney. The Sherman brothers were perhaps best known for their work on Mary Poppins (1964), for which they won two Oscars: Best Score – Substantially Original and Best Original Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Another cherished song from the film, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," became a pop hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, while the lullaby "Feed the Birds" became one of Walt's favorite songs—ever.
"Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives," said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "From films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to attractions like 'it's a small world,' the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family."
Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer, Pixar Animation Studios, said, "You don't get songs like 'Spoonful of Sugar' without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him. Even in his 90s he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard's infectious joy for life."
"The Sherman brothers were professional optimists who found a perfect patron in Walt Disney. Their songs had an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard's life, which was not without its troubles and challenges," said Leonard Maltin, film historian, author, and educator. "He was especially proud that he and his brother carried on a songwriting career like their father, who encouraged them early on."
Born on June 12, 1928, in New York City, Richard and his brother would, years later, go on to follow in their Tin Pan Alley songwriter father's, Al Sherman's, footsteps. The Sherman family relocated to Beverly Hills in 1937, after years of cross-country moves. Richard attended Beverly Hills High School before he majored in music at Bard College. Drafted into the United States Army, he served as conductor for the Army band and glee club from 1953 to 1955.
In 1951, Gene Autry was the first to record a Sherman brothers song, "Gold Can Buy You Anything But Love." But the songwriters' big break wouldn't come until seven years later, when Mouseketeer (and fellow future Disney Legend) Annette Funicello recorded their song "Tall Paul." That tune peaked at No. 7 on the charts, selling more than 700,000 singles.
The success of such songs caught the attention of Walt, who hired the Sherman brothers as staff songwriters for The Walt Disney Studios. Their first assignment: write a song for the made-for-television movie The Horsemasters (1961), starring Funicello. Soon, they would contribute to such feature films as The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), The Parent Trap (1961), Summer Magic (1963), The Sword in the Stone (1963), Mary Poppins (1964), That Darn Cat! (1965), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), The Jungle Book (1967), The Happiest Millionaire (1967), The Aristocats (1970), and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971). They would ultimately write more than 200 songs for some 27 films and 24 television productions.
They also contributed music for a number of theme park attractions around the world, including "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room," and "It's a Small World"—the latter of which Richard once described as "a prayer for peace." In the early 1980s, the brothers returned to write songs for EPCOT Center (now known as EPCOT) and Tokyo Disneyland, including "One Little Spark" and "Meet the World."
In the early 1970s, the Sherman brothers left the Walt Disney Studios to pursue other film projects. Following their work with Disney, the Sherman Brothers went on to provide an array of music, songs and occasional screenplays to such memorable family films as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), Snoopy Come Home (1972), Charlotte's Web (1973), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1973), Huckleberry Finn (1974), and The Slipper and the Rose (1976).
The Sherman brothers made history in 1973 by becoming the only Americans ever to win 1st Prize at the Moscow Film Festival. The Russian equivalent to the Oscar was bestowed to the Sherman Brothers for their film musical The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, for which they penned the script and songs. In 1976, The Slipper and the Rose was selected for Great Britain's annual Royal Command Performance. This film similarly features a Sherman brothers' screenplay and musical/song score.
Richard and his brother were inducted as Disney Legends in 1990.
In 1992, Walt Disney Records released a retrospective collection of their music, The Sherman Brothers: Disney's Supercalifragilistic Songwriting Team. The brothers returned to the studio in 1998 to compose music for The Tigger Movie; that year, they also penned their autobiography, Walt's Time: From Before to Beyond. In 2009, a second compilation of hits, The Sherman Brothers Songbook, was released, and their life stories were told in the documentary film The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story (directed by Richard's son, Gregory V. Sherman, in collaboration with Robert's son, Jeffrey Sherman).
In 2005, Richard and Robert were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Three years later, the brothers were awarded the National Medal of the Arts, "for unforgettable songs and optimistic lyrics that have brought magic to the screen and stage. The Sherman brothers' music has helped bring joy to millions." During the ceremony, held at the White House, First Lady Laura Bush noted, "These medals recognize great contributions to art, music, theater, literature, history, and general scholarship… Recipients of the National Medal of the Arts represent the breadth of American creativity and the depth of the human spirit."
In 2010, Richard and fellow award-winning composer John Debney collaborated on the song "Make Way for Tomorrow Today" for Marvel Studios' Iron Man 2. That same year, The Walt Disney Company saluted the Sherman brothers for their musical contributions to Disney Parks worldwide. They were honored with their very own "window" on Main Street, U.S.A. (at Disneyland Park in California), which states: "Two Brothers Tunemakers – Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman: We'll Write Your Tunes For a Song."
Richard was preceded in death by his brother in 2012. The following year, actors B. J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman portrayed Robert and Richard, respectively, in Saving Mr. Banks (2013), a dramatized account of the making of Mary Poppins. Five years later, The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, rededicated Stage A as the Sherman Brothers Stage. At the time, Richard said, "It's been a joy, it's been an honor, and it's been a privilege to work here at The Walt Disney Studios, working for Walt Disney and for all the brilliant, brilliant people with whom Bob and I associated through the years."
In 2015, a television special chronicling his life, Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime, produced by Disney Legend Don Hahn, debuted on PBS SoCal. Also in 2015, for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Richard contributed the song "A Kiss Goodnight," which was tied to his 2017 book of the same title from Disney Editions. For The Walt Disney Studios, Richard wrote new lyrics for the live-action The Jungle Book (2016) and two years later appeared in Christopher Robin, for which he composed three new songs.
Most recently, Richard wrote a new song (with composer Fabrizio Mancinelli) for Disney Legend Andreas Deja's 2023 animated short, Mushka. The song, entitled "Mushka's Lullabye," was sung by acclaimed soprano Holly Sedillos.
In 2023, Walt Disney Animation Studios revisited its 100-year history in the short film Once Upon a Studio. Richard returned to Walt's office—the same place he and Robert would often perform "Feed the Birds" for Walt on Friday afternoons—to play piano in a key sequence.
Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf, and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as her two children and three grandchildren. A private funeral is scheduled to take place Friday, May 31, at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles. Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
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100th-Anniversary Photo Op
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So Mickey catches a lift with Dumbo.
Tinker Bell: ♪ Within this place
Are new beginnings
And stories only you can write
Those fairy tales and ever-afters
Are all suspended here in time
He flies past a crowd on the stairs that includes Madame Medusa from "The Rescuers," Michael "Goob" Yagoobian (AKA Bowler Hat Guy) (Stephen J. Anderson) from "Meet the Robinsons," Kronk from "The Emperor's New Groove," The Clade family (Ethan, Searcher, and Meridian) from "Strange World," Clara Cluck, Pegleg Pete, and Gazelle from "Zootopia."
Bowler Hat Guy*: Oh! (GRUNTS)
Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) holds the door – with Madam Mim from "Sword in the Stone" and Flynn Rider and Maximus from "Tangled" looking on...
Raya: Coast is clear, Mick.
MICKEY: Great!
Mickey and Dumbo fly out the studio's front door...
Mickey: Right this way!
...followed by Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly)...
Mickey: Oh! Ralph, you okay?
Ralph: (GRUNTS) Never better, Garfield. (SCREAMS)
... Scar (Jeremy Irons) from "The Lion King"...
Scar: I'm surrounded by idiots.
...and Mr. Toad (Eric Blore) who has a new "wild ride" aboard the flying carpet from "Aladdin."
Mr. Toad*: Tally ho! Whee! I'll show you the world! (LAUGHS)
We hear Mickey mention the ladder, which causes Ichabod Crane from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" to turn around quickly and duck as Goofy recklessly swings a tall ladder around.
MICKEY: Oh, great. The ladder!
Ichabod: (GASPS)
Goofy: (VOCALIZING)
Trusty (Bill Baucom) and Jock from "Lady and the Tramp" are followed by Flora (Verna Felton), Fauna, and Merryweather (Barbara Luddy) (the three fairies from "Sleeping Beauty").
Trusty*: I don't recollect if I've ever mentioned Old Reliable before. He'd say, uh…
They look at the studio's iconic wizard's hat and magically change it from blue to pink and back to blue.
Flora*: Make it pink.
Merryweather*: (GROANS) Make it blue.
Mickey starts gathering everyone for the photo, including Amos Mouse and Benjamin Franklin from "Ben and Me," Phil from "Hercules," Luisa from "Encanto" (holding Rutt and Tuke from "Brother Bear" and the cow crew from "Home on the Range"), Pacha and Kuzco (David Spade) from "The Emperor's New Groove," Colonel Hathi and Winifred from "The Jungle Book," the three little pigs, Cinderella's stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella), Captain Hook and Smee from "Peter Pan," and a black and white Oswald, the lucky rabbit.
MICKEY: Okay, everybody. Get... Get together now. Oh! After you.
Kuzco*: No touchy!
Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) from "The Lion King" lifts the camera to Goofy (a la Simba).
Rafiki*: It is time.
Goofy: (CHUCKLES) Thank you.
Mickey: Goofy, careful!
Goofy: (VOCALIZING) All right. Now where's that timer button?
Goofy teeters on the ladder, Tarzan and Jane, Chief Bogo from "Zootopia," Casey (at the bat), Clarabelle, Horace Horsecollar, and Jafar from "Aladdin" worriedly look on. Iago (Piotr Michael) counts down to his inevitable fall.
Iago: Oh, oh! Three, two, one!
Goofy*: (SCREAMING)
When Stitch (Chris Sanders) steps up to "help," Lilo steers him away.
Stitch*: (MUNCHES, GROWLS)
In true Grumpy style, the grouchy dwarf (Josh Robert Thompson) from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" throws up his hands in disgust.
Grumpy: Well, that was fun.
Young Simba and Nala from "The Lion King" as well as Rabbit, Eeyore (Jim Meskimen), Piglet, and Gopher from "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" look disappointed.
Eeyore: Maybe we can try again in another hundred years.
As Friar Tuck from "Robin Hood," Fred, Honey Lemon, GoGo Tomago, Wasabi, and Hiro from "Big Hero 6," The Big Bad Wolf, Ludwig von Drake, Arthur from "Sword in the Stone," King Leonidas from "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," and the Ongis from "Raya and the Last Dragon" start to leave, Mickey begs them to stay...
Mickey: Oh, no, no, no. Come back. It... It... It'll be fine. It'll be…
...but it's no use.
The group is joined by Princess Jasmine from "Aladdin," Abuela Alma and Isabela Madrigal from "Encanto," Sgt. Calhoun from "Wreck-It Ralph," Daisy Duck, Officer Clawhauser from "Zootopia," and Koda and Kenai from "Brother Bear." But then they hear a guitar playing "When You Wish Upon a Star."
It's Alan-a-Dale, the musical narrator from "Robin Hood" who's joined by Scat Cat from "The Aristocats" on trumpet, Mirabel from "Encanto" on accordion, and Hathi Jr. from "Jungle Book" on his trunk while Taffyta Muttonfudge from "Wreck-It Ralph" and Johnny Appleseed look on – and because it's Disney – the singing starts.
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When You Wish Upon a Star Your Dreams Come True
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First, it's Belle (Paige O'Hara, Voice • 2011) from "Beauty and the Beast" (standing with The Queen of Hearts from "Alice in Wonderland," Lewis and Wilbur from "Meet the Robinsons," Penny from "The Rescuers," plus Pecos Bill and Widowmaker). As the Beast (Robby Benson) joins Belle for a duet, Hades (James Woods) from "Hercules" gripes, but Aurora and Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty," Cruella De Vil from "101 Dalmatians" and John Henry look pleased.
Belle: ♪ Anything your heart desires ♪
Belle & Beast: ♪ Will come to you ♪
Hades: I knew this was gonna happen.
The next verse is sung by Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (who is joined on the studio's rooftop by his gargoyle pals Victor, Hugo, and Laverne).
Quasimodo: ♪ If your heart
Is in your dream ♪
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Pocahontas (Judy Kuhn) sings to Mama Odie from "The Princess and the Frog," Tod and Copper from "The Fox and the Hound," Basil of Baker Street, Olivia Flaversham, and Dr. David Q. Dawson from "The Great Mouse Detective," Dumbo and Timothy, Boun and Tong from "Raya and the Last Dragon," and the Aristocats (Duchess, Thomas O'Malley, Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz).
Pocahontas: ♪ No request is too extreme ♪
Then, Princess Ariel (Jodi Benson, Voice • 2011) sings to Nessie, Prince Eric, Jaeger Clade from "Strange World," and Dolores Madrigal from "Encanto" – accompanied by Scuttle (Jess Harnell) who's very quickly hushed by Baloo (Jim Cummings) and Mowgli (Phoenix Reisser) from "The Jungle Book" as Lady and the Tramp smile and Sebastian the crab conducts from atop the golden harp from "Fun and Fancy Free."
Ariel: ♪ When you wish up... ♪
Scuttle: (VOCALIZING)
Baloo & Mowgli: ♪ As dreamers do ♪
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Goofy looks sadly at his broken camera when suddenly, Sorcerer Mickey's magical brooms from "Fantasia" come to his aid, assisted by Felix from "Wreck-It Ralph," Hercules, and Cinderella's Fairy Godmother (who bibbidi bobbidi boos everything back on track).
CHORUS: ♪ Fate is kind ♪
♪ She brings to those who love ♪
♪ The sweet fulfillment of ♪
♪ Their secret longing ♪
Snow White (Natalie Babbitt Taylor) then harmonizes with Mulan (Lea Salonga, Voice • 2011) and Asha (Ariana DeBose) from "Wish" for Lambert the Sheepish Lion, Princess Eilonwy from "Black Cauldron,"Baymax, Oaken (Yoo Hoo), and Robin Hood and Maid Marian from "Robin Hood," Winnie the Pooh (Jim Cummings), Tigger, The White Rabbit from "Alice in Wonderland," and Lumiere and Plumette from "Beauty and the Beast."
Snow White, Mulan, and Asha: ♪ Like a bolt out of the blue ♪
Pooh: ♪ Fate steps in ♪
♪ And sees you through ♪
To "bring it home" is none other than Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards, Voice • 2000), who sings his iconic song from "Pinocchio" from the palm of Mickey's hand.
Jiminy*: ♪ When you wish upon a star ♪
ALL: ♪ Your dreams come true
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Say Cheese, Everyone!
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So, how did you do? Can you identify any characters we didn't mention in the photo below?
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Transcript
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INTERN: It's so incredible to think
_________________________________
that Walt started Disney Animation
100 years ago today.
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To think of all those talented artists
and wonderful characters
_________________________________
who have been a part of the studio
over the years.
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Yep.
_________________________________
If these walls could talk.
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(DOOR CLOSES)
_________________________________
Psst! Tink. Tinker Bell. You there?
_________________________________
Is that it? They all gone?
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Oh, boy!
_________________________________
Come on, Minnie! This is it!
_________________________________
Let's get the gang!
_________________________________
-Yoo-hoo!
-(GASPS) There's the signal.
_________________________________
All right, y'all!
_________________________________
(GRUNTS) It's picture time.
_________________________________
-That's tonight?
-That's now.
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100-year group photo.
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And the sun's going down.
_________________________________
Come on. Let's hop to it!
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Ooh, a bunny pun.
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(CHUCKLES) Got to like that.
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-(HORN BLOWING)
-(GASPS)
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Picture time, guys!
_________________________________
(CHUCKLES) Okay! Here we come!
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(ALL LAUGHING)
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Wake up! Wake up!
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(ORVILLE SCREAMS, GRUNTS)
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-(EXCLAIMS)
-Awesome!
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(PETER CROWS)
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Oh, Peter! Get the folks upstairs!
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-Aye, aye, Captain.
-(BARKS)
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Come on, everybody.
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Here we go!
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(CROWING)
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(SISU GASPS, LAUGHS)
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JIM: Whoo-hoo!
_________________________________
It's Maui time!
_________________________________
We're meeting in the lobby!
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Okay!
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-(GRUNTS) See you there!
-(ABU CHIRPS)
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-(GRUNTS) Whoa!
-Whoo-hoo!
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-(BARKS)
-(ENGINE ROARS)
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(SCREAMING)
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-Higher! (LAUGHS)
-(MUTTERING)
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(GRUNTS, SIGHS)
_________________________________
-(GASPS, GROANS)
-Water.
_________________________________
-No! There's no time for tea.
-MARCH HARE: Mmm.
_________________________________
-Merlin! A little help?
-(MERLIN GASPS)
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Oh! Uh, oh, ah.
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-Chapeauious Bowlious!
-(GRUNTS) Oh!
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-(MOANA GROANS)
-(FLOUNDER GRUNTS)
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(CHUCKLES) Oh, waiter,
there's a carp in my cap.
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(LAUGHS)
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(GRUMBLING)
_________________________________
Yikes!
_________________________________
Do you think all the villains
will show up?
_________________________________
Hmm. Not all.
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(STRAINING)
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Going down?
_________________________________
FLASH: Hold the…
_________________________________
elevator.
_________________________________
Huh?
_________________________________
(MUMBLING)
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♪ I'm in the mood to help you, dude ♪
_________________________________
-(VOCALIZING)
-Hey, Frosty! Shake a leg, will ya?
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The leg won't make a difference.
It's all in the wrist.
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-(SCREAMS)
-Oi!
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I haven't seen a fall like that
since Rome.
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(GRUNTS, CHUCKLES)
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Oh! Much better.
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♪ Every guy here
Would love to be you, Gaston ♪
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(CHUCKLES)
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-(WHISTLES)
-Huh?
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(LAUGHS)
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Let's move it, gentlemen!
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Ooh! Ooh, help, and bother.
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-(PUA SNORTS)
-(MEEKO CHEERS)
_________________________________
Uh-huh. Meeting in the lobby.
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Don't eat those.
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(GROANS)
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-(BARKING)
-(EXCLAIMS)
_________________________________
-(CHUCKLES)
-Zuk, zuk!
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(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING
ON TELEVISION)
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Come on, puppies.
You're gonna have nightmares.
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(ALL BARKING)
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(EXCLAIMS) Whoa!
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BOTH: Oo-De-Lally.
_________________________________
Thank you…
_________________________________
for holding…
_________________________________
-the elevator.
-(GROANS)
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BAYMAX: I am also going to the lobby.
DONALD: Huh?
_________________________________
Oh, come on!
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(QUACKING)
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-(SPLAT SQUEAKING)
-(GROANS)
_________________________________
-Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no…
-(SQUEAKS)
_________________________________
(GASPS)
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(BOTH LAUGH)
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(BARKING)
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(BOTH GASP)
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Hey, Max!
_________________________________
-Eric, get your dog!
-Go, Max, go!
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(CHUCKLES, GASPS)
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♪ Trust in me
Just in me ♪
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Kaa? Kaa! You...
You stop that now, Kaa!
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Don't worry, Mickey.
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(CHUCKLES) I got this.
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-(THUDS)
-(KAA GROANS)
_________________________________
Huh.
_________________________________
(GASPS) Hmm.
_________________________________
MINNIE: Oh, Mickey, where are you?
_________________________________
We're in the lobby!
_________________________________
(CHUCKLES)
_________________________________
Got to go, but thanks.
_________________________________
On with the show.
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-(CHEERING)
-Oh! (GRUNTS)
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-Coast is clear, Mick.
-MICKEY: Great!
_________________________________
Right this way!
_________________________________
-(GRUNTS)
-Oh! Ralph, you okay?
_________________________________
(GRUNTS) Never better, Garfield.
_________________________________
(SCREAMS)
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(GROANS)
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-I'm surrounded by idiots.
-Tally ho!
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Whee! I'll show you the world!
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(LAUGHS)
_________________________________
-MICKEY: Oh, great. The ladder!
-(GASPS)
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(VOCALIZING)
_________________________________
(GRUNTS)
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I don't recollect if I've ever mentioned
Old Reliable before.
_________________________________
-He'd say, uh…
-Make it pink.
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(GROANS) Make it blue.
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MICKEY: Okay, everybody. Get...
Get together now.
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Oh! After you.
_________________________________
-No touchy!
-(RAFIKI CHUCKLES)
_________________________________
-MICKEY: Huh?
-It is time.
_________________________________
(CHUCKLES) Thank you.
_________________________________
(VOCALIZING)
_________________________________
Goofy, careful!
_________________________________
(VOCALIZING)
_________________________________
All right.
_________________________________
Now where's that timer button?
_________________________________
Oh, oh! Three, two, one!
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(SCREAMING)
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-(GRUNTS)
-(GLASS SHATTERS)
_________________________________
(MUNCHES, GROWLS)
_________________________________
Well, that was fun.
_________________________________
Maybe we can try again
in another hundred years.
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(GRUMBLING, SIGHING)
_________________________________
Oh, no, no, no. Come back.
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It... It... It'll be fine. It'll be…
_________________________________
("WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR"
PLAYING ON GUITAR)
_________________________________
(TRUMPET CONTINUES SONG)
_________________________________
♪ Anything your heart desires ♪
_________________________________
BOTH: ♪ Will come to you ♪
_________________________________
I knew this was gonna happen.
_________________________________
♪ If your heart
Is in your dream ♪
_________________________________
♪ No request is too extreme ♪
_________________________________
♪ When you wish up... ♪
_________________________________
(VOCALIZING)
_________________________________
BOTH: ♪ As dreamers do ♪
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CHORUS: ♪ Fate is kind ♪
_________________________________
♪ She brings to those who love ♪
_________________________________
♪ The sweet fulfillment of ♪
_________________________________
♪ Their secret longing ♪
_________________________________
♪ Like a bolt out of the blue ♪
_________________________________
♪ Fate steps in ♪
_________________________________
(GRUNTS)
_________________________________
♪ And sees you through ♪
_________________________________
♪ When you wish upon a star ♪
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ALL: ♪ Your dreams come true ♪
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