Walt Disney was born in Chicago in 1901 and grew up on a farm in Missouri where he discovered his love of drawing and trains. He later moved to Kansas City and was introduced to theater and film by neighbors, sparking his interest in storytelling and animation. Disney went on to found Walt Disney Productions and create many beloved animated films, winning numerous Academy Awards. He also opened Disneyland and helped shape the theme park industry before passing away from lung cancer in 1966.