Don Iwerks, the former Disney executive and co-founder of Iwerks Entertainment, died at age 96. He passed away peacefully on Thursday at Ojai Community Memorial Care Center.
Iwerks was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death, according to an obituary shared by his family. The family described him as humble, endlessly curious, and unfailingly optimistic, noting his love for sketching inventions, watching classic films, and supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro paid tribute, highlighting Iwerks’ contributions to iconic films and attractions that delighted generations of fans. D’Amaro said the company would miss him deeply and extended condolences to his family.
Born in 1929 in Dallas, Texas, Iwerks joined Walt Disney Studios in 1950. He developed technologies including the Circle-Vision camera system and refinements for Mary Poppins. He co-founded Iwerks Entertainment in 1986 and received the Gordon E. Sawyer Award in 1998.
