Introduction
Disney is a household name, and Walt Disney himself is often credited with much of the entertainment company’s success. However, behind every great man is a team of equally talented individuals, and one such person was Ward Kimball. Kimball was an animator, cartoonist, and one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men. He brought many beloved Disney characters to life, including Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio and the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. But what many people may not know is that Kimball was also surprisingly wealthy. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the net worth of Ward Kimball and delve into the man behind the magic.
Section 1: Who Was Ward Kimball?
Ward Kimball was born on March 4, 1914, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kimball grew up with a love of trains and became an avid collector of toy trains throughout his life. He attended the Santa Barbara School of the Arts and then went on to study at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. This is where he met Walt Disney, and his career in animation began.
Kimball was known for his unique animation style and was the only one of the Nine Old Men who didn’t attend art school in New York City. He worked on many notable Disney films, including Fantasia, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Cinderella.
Section 2: How Did Ward Kimball Amass His Wealth?
Kimball’s net worth was primarily due to his success in animation and his wise investments. His work at Disney earned him a substantial salary, and he even had a contract with Disney that stipulated he received a percentage of the profits from films he worked on.
In addition to his work with Disney, Kimball invested wisely in real estate, becoming a landlord of numerous properties in the Los Angeles area. He also had a passion for trains and built a full-size working train in his backyard, which later became the basis for a successful tourist attraction.
Section 3: How Much Was Ward Kimball Worth?
Estimates of Kimball’s net worth vary, but it is believed that at the time of his death in 2002, his estate was worth around $30 million. This amount includes his investments, the value of his train collection, and his real estate holdings.
Kimball’s success and wealth are a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.
Section 4: How Did Ward Kimball Spend His Wealth?
Kimball was known for his love of all things trains and spent a significant amount of his wealth collecting and restoring vintage train sets. He also built a full-scale working train in his backyard, which became the attraction known as the Grizzly Flats Railroad. Kimball enjoyed sharing his passion for trains with the public and would often invite guests to ride his train and view his extensive collection.
Kimball was also an art collector and owned several pieces by famous artists. He even helped fund the construction of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Section 5: What Was Ward Kimball’s Legacy?
Kimball’s legacy lives on in the many Disney films he worked on and the characters he helped create. He was also instrumental in the development of the Disneyland Railroad and the Main Street Electrical Parade, which debuted in 1972.
Kimball’s love of trains also led to the creation of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) train program, which he helped found in 1969. The program teaches animation students about the principles of storytelling and the use of narrative in designing and constructing model trains.
Section 6: What Can We Learn From Ward Kimball’s Success?
Kimball’s success can be attributed to his passion for his work and his ability to diversify his income through savvy investments. He didn’t just rely on his salary from Disney to build his wealth but instead used his earnings to invest in real estate and other ventures.
Kimball’s love of trains also showed that he wasn’t afraid to pursue his passions, even if they diverged from his main career path. By following his interests and investing in his hobbies, he was able to achieve great success and leave a lasting legacy.
Section 7: FAQs
Q: What was Ward Kimball’s primary source of income?
A: Kimball’s primary source of income was his work as an animator with Disney. He also made wise investments in real estate and had a passion for trains, which he used to build his wealth.
Q: How much was Ward Kimball worth?
A: Estimates of Kimball’s net worth vary, but it is believed that at the time of his death in 2002, his estate was worth around $30 million.
Q: What was Ward Kimball’s legacy?
A: Kimball’s legacy lives on in the many Disney movies he worked on and helped create. He was also instrumental in the development of the Disneyland Railroad and the Main Street Electrical Parade, and his love of trains led to the creation of the California Institute of the Arts train program.
Q: What can we learn from Ward Kimball’s success?
A: Kimball’s success can be attributed to his passion for his work, his ability to diversify his income through smart investments, and his willingness to pursue his hobbies. By investing in his interests, he was able to achieve great success while also leaving a lasting legacy.
Section 8: Conclusion
Ward Kimball may not be as well-known as Walt Disney himself, but his legacy in the world of animation and trains is no less important. Kimball’s success proves that with hard work, dedication, and smart investing, anyone can achieve great wealth and success. We can all learn from Kimball’s example by pursuing our passions, investing in our interests, and diversifying our income streams. Thank you, Ward Kimball, for your contributions to the world of entertainment, and as his quote goes, “There’s nothing that can’t be done, if the desire is there”.