Dick Nunis was a longtime Disney executive who oversaw the company’s efforts to expand its theme parks outside of California.
- Died: December 13, 2023 (Who else died on December 13?)
- Details of death: Died in Orlando, Florida at the age of 91.
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Dick Nunis’ legacy
Nunis did not join the Disney organization as an executive, or even someone with any real power. His first position there was a summer job, training employees. Born in Cedartown, Georgia, Nunis was among the initial staff of 600 at Disneyland’s 1955 opening, working with the park’s orientation and training program. He knew Walt Disney’s (1901–1966) son-in-law, and he soon began to rise through the ranks.
By 1967, Nunis was chairman of the Park Operations Committee, then the following year was named vice president of operations. He became executive vice president in 1971, the same year the Magic Kingdom opened in Florida. By the 1980s, he was overseeing Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, and Disney-MGM Studios, as well as Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, and other international parks.
After 44 years, Nunis retired as chairman of Walt Disney Attractions in 1999. He was honored on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and was inducted into the Disney Legends Awards’ Hall of Fame. In 2022, he released his memoir, “Walt’s Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive.”
Notable quote
“From an overall operations point of view, the most important thing is to work together to make sure that when guests come, they have a wonderful experience.”—Official Disney statement
Tributes to Dick Nunis
Full obituary: Orlando Sentinel
