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When Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Vice Chairman Roy E. Disney named Marty Sklar a Disney Legend in December 2001, they were formalizing what everyone in The Walt Disney Company already recognized: That Marty has been one of the company’s principal “icons” for many years.

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on February 6, 1934, Marty was a student at UCLA and editor of its Daily Bruin newspaper when he was recruited to create The Disneyland News for Walt’s new theme park in 1955. After graduating in 1956, he joined Disney full-time and would go on to serve as Walt’s right-hand man—scripting speeches, marketing materials, and producing a film showcasing Walt’s vision for Walt Disney World and Epcot. During this period, he also joined WED Enterprises, the forerun- ner of Walt Disney Imagineering, and he would later become the creative leader of Imagineering, leading the development of Disney theme parks and attractions for the next three decades. He retired as Executive Vice President and Imagineering Ambassador on July 17, 2009, Disneyland’s 54th birthday. Disney marked the occasion by paying tribute to Marty with the highest Parks and Resorts recognition, dedicating a window in his name on Disneyland’s City Hall.

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