Rolly Crump was a Disney animator who played a large part in the design of Disneyland, including the iconic It’s a Small World ride.
- Died: March 12, 2023 (Who else died on March 12?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Carlsbad, California at the age of 93.
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Disney Legend
Crump began working for Disney in 1952, beginning in behind-the-scenes animation work. He worked as an animation assistant on features including “Peter Pan,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.” As early concepts for Disneyland began to take shape, Crump’s vision became a huge part of the theme park. It’s a Small World is based on Crump’s designs, especially its unique clock face. His artistic concepts are also seen in attractions including the Haunted Mansion, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and Adventureland Bazaar. Crump once said that he had carved the tikis of the Enchanted Tiki Room using plastic forks; his interpretations of Polynesian art and culture had a strong influence on the tiki art of other artists.
Crump did work outside Disney as well. He designed the Knott’s Bear-y Tales ride for Knott’s Berry Farm as well as working on attractions including Busch Gardens and Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus World. Having left Disney in the early 1970s, he later returned, designing portions of Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. Crump was also known for his psychedelic posters. He was named a Disney Legend in 2004.
Notable quote
“I was 3 years old. My dad took me to see ‘The Three Little Pigs.’ He knew the projectionist so we got to go up into the projection booth. All that stuff stuck in my head. I don’t know if I was familiar with Disney at that time, but I immediately fell in love with Disney. I wanted to work for Disney. I wanted to draw and just be at Disney. I didn’t even know what animation was. I didn’t have a clue, and when they hired me, I don’t know why they hired me. I didn’t know where they were going to put me. All I knew is I wanted to work for Disney.” —from an interview for the Los Angeles Times
Tributes to Rolly Crump
Full obituary: Los Angeles Times
