Disney Legend Rolly Crump has passed away at the age of 93.

Mr. Crump was an animator on Peter Pan (1953), Lady and the Tramp (1955), Sleeping Beauty (1959), and 101 Dalmatians (1961). As an animator, he specialized in “inbetweening,” the process that creates a smooth transition between two key frames.

As an imagneer and a designer, Mr. Crump helped design several Disneyland shops and attractions including The Haunted Mansion, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and the Adventureland Bazaar. He designed many of the Disney attractions at the 1964 World’s Fair, including It’s a Small World. When It’s a Small World moved to Disneyland, he designed the large, animated clock at the entrance to the attraction.

“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow; it’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy,” said Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”

{By HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA – it’s a small world, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50177266}

In 1970, Mr. Crump left Disney to explore opportunities with other employers. He designed Knott’s Bear-y Tales ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. He also worked with Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, and Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus World in Haines City, Florida. In 1976, he returned to Disney. He designed The Land and The Wonders of Life at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. Mr. Crump retired from Disney in 1996.

In the early to mid-Sixties, Rolly Crump was noted for his psychedelic posters. He designed posters for the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. He designed guitar string packaging for musician/entrepreneur Ernie Ball and logos for musician Bob Markley.

In 2012, Rolly Crump published an autobiography It’s Kind of a Cute Story. Thank you, Mr. Crump, for the years of art and entertainment. Our condolences to your family and friends.

The animator and Disney imagineer was born Roland Fargo Crump February 27, 1930 in Alhambra, California. He died March 12, 2023. in Carlsbad, California. He joined Walt Disney Studios in 1952 and retired in 1970.

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Susan Macdonald
Susan Macdonald

Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress ”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions,  Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.