On this day in 2010, Art Linkletter passed away. Art has an amazing career in both radio and television that spanned over 75 years. In 1955, Art served as the Master of Ceremonies at the opening of Disneyland.
Art was one of Walt’s close friends. Art spoke about Walt Disney before the opening of Disneyland. He said “I went out to the Disneyland site with Walt one time, I didn’t want to spoil his enthusiasm. But after we had driven for about an hour south of Los Angeles, into the country and the orange groves, I thought ‘Geez! Who’s gonna come down here?”
Well luckily for all of us, Art was wrong. The one problem on opening day was that the Park had stretched Walt so thin financially, he could only afford to pay Art union scale for the job. A savvy businessman, in lieu of his fee, Art asked for (and received) the exclusive rights to the camera and film concessions at Disneyland for the next 10 years.
In 2005, Art was inducted as a Disney Legend. He humbly gave Walt a lot of credit in informing the fulfillment of his life and career. “He really gave me my idea of what success is in life, for myself, watching him. And that is, doing what you love to do, with people you enjoy being with. That’s more important than anything else, ‘cause life’s not a rehearsal.”
Here is some of Art’s intro to the television audiences watching the opening day ceremonies.
As co-owner and co-creator of The Main Street Mouse.Working in a technical support position for 18 years, it was time for a change.As the Webmaster and Project Planner, I spend most of my time researching everything from the latest Disney News, technology advances and of course keeping up on all the Marvel news that comes out.I never considered myself a writer but I’ve come to like blogging and sharing news with all.I feel blessed everyday that I get to spend my days working with my best friend and love of my life while we continue to grow and expand what started as a hobby all those years ago.
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