Ron Miller, who served as president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, died on Saturday at age 85 in Napa, California, the company confirmed.
Miller, an Army veteran and star athlete at USC who played for the Los Angeles Rams, came to the company by way of his wife, Diane Disney, the daughter of company founder Walt Disney.
He served as a producer on 1960s and ’70s films like “Son of Flubber,” “That Darn Cat!” “Pete’s Dragon” and “Escape to Witch Mountain” — and helped drive the innovative computer animation in the 1982 sci-fi thriller “Tron.”
In 1978, he was named president of Walt Disney Productions and then promoted to CEO in 1983. He led the creation of Walt Disney Home Video, Touchstone Pictures and The Disney Channel but was ousted the following year by the company’s board in favor of a triumvirate of leaders in Michael Eisner, Frank Wells and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Most recently, Miller served as president of the board of directors at The Walt Disney Family Museum and owner of Silverado Vineyards which he founded with Diane Disney Miller, who died in 2013.
“Everyone at The Walt Disney Company is deeply saddened by the passing of Ron Miller,” current Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “His life and legacy are inextricably linked with our Company and the Disney family because he was such a vital part of both, as our CEO and Walt’s son-in-law.
“Few people had Ron’s understanding of our history, or a deeper appreciation and respect for our company, and he shared it generously with anyone who wanted to know more,” he said. “I was fortunate to have known him, and even luckier to have called him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
A Timeline of Disney's Animated Animal Sidekicks, From Mushu to Sven (Photos)
"Mulan" celebrates its 20th birthday on June 19, having come out on that day in 1998. The beloved Disney film is based on a Chinese legend and tells the story of a young girl, Mulan, who impersonates a man to take her sick father's place in the fight against an invading Hun army. The movie was well-received by critics, earning multiple Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, and grossed $304 million at the box office. In addition to the title heroine, "Mulan" starred Eddie Murphie as a small red dragon named Mushu, who serves as a guardian for Mulan throughout the movie. In honor of Mulan's 20th birthday, take a look back at some of Disney's most iconic animal sidekicks.
Jiminy Cricket, “Pinocchio” (1940)
This little cricket went from a minor character in the original 1881 novel by Carlo Collodi to a star player in the 1940 Disney film. He serves as the conscience of Pinocchio and tries to keep him out of trouble throughout the film.
RKO Radio Pictures
Thumper, "Bambi" (1942)
This young rabbit from the 1942 Disney classic teaches his best friend how to speak and skate on ice. He also put his own spin on the enduring phrase: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." Thanks for the tip, Thumper!
RKO Radio Pictures
Gus and Jaq, “Cinderella” (1950)
Jaq is smart and skinny, Gus is chubby and not too bright, but together they serve as Cinderella's best friends and closest confidants. While dodging the ever-hungry Lucifer, these two mice help find a ribbon for Cinderella's dress, get turned into horses so they can pull Cinderella's chariot, and steal the key to Cinderella's room from her evil stepmother so she can escape and marry Prince Charming.
RKO Radio Pictures
Archimedes, “The Sword in the Stone” (1963)
Archimedes is Merlin's pet owl and Arthur's teacher. He teaches Arthur about history, shows him how to fly and helps him find the sword in the stone.
Buena Vista Distribution
Sebastian and Flounder, "The Little Mermaid" (1989)
Flounder goes along with Ariel on all of her adventures, supports her fascination with human things, and ultimately helps her defeat Ursula. Sebastian is the royal court composer and a loyal servant to King Triton, but he's also a loyal friend to Ariel -- helping her win his love and defeat Ursula. Not bad for a tropical fish and a crab!
Buena Vista Pictures
Abu, “Aladdin” (1992)
Abu may be a small monkey and a big thief, but he's loyal to his best friend Aladdin and will do whatever he can for him. He shares his stolen food with hungry children, turns into an elephant to help Aladdin with his disguise to win Jasmine's heart, and transforms into a toy monkey after saving Aladdin's life.
Buena Vista Pictures
Zazu, “The Lion King” (1994)
The king's royal dodo (excuse us, toucan) may not be the world's best babysitter, but he makes up for it with his great singing ("The Morning Report"), his loyalty to Mufasa, and his ability to maintain a sense of humor while living in a bone cage with his boss's murderer. In the end, he takes his rightful place as King Simba's right-hand bird.
Buena Vista Pictures
Meeko and Flit, “Pocahontas” (1995)
Meeko is a greedy racoon and Flit is a loyal hummingbird. Together, they go along with Pocahantas on her visit to Grandmother Willow and try to sabotage her relationship with John Smith -- though they warm up to him in the end, just like Pocahontas.
Buena Vista Pictures
Pegasus, “Hercules” (1997)
Every hero needs a loyal steed, and Hercules is no exception. His winged horse Pegasus is brave, silly, and not too fond of Meg -- but after she saves Hercules' life, goddess and horse work together to help Hercules defeat the Titans.
Buena Vista Pictures
Mushu, "Mulan" (1998)
This dragon may look more like a lizard, but he has a heart of gold and a mouth to match -- and he helps Mulan save China from the evil Hun invaders. Happy 20th, Mushu!
Buena Vista Pictures
Bullseye, “Toy Story 2" (1999)
Even toy cowboys need a way to get around, and Bullseye serves as a loyal -- and adorable -- sidekick for Woody and Jessie.
Buena Vista Pictures
Dory, "Finding Nemo" (2003)
This forgetful fish just kept swimming into our hearts and minds when she helped Marlon find his son in the 2003 Pixar classic -- and twelve years later, she got her own movie as thanks for her hard work.
Pixar Animation Studios
Dug, “Up” (2009)
The lovable golden retriever from Pixar's "Up" is as brave, silly and loyal as they come -- and he can talk about squirrels and giant birds to his heart's content, thanks to a special canine-translating collar.
Walt Disney Studios
Pascal and Maximus, “Tangled” (2010)
They may be different sizes and species, but these two sidekicks help Flynn and Rapunzel stay out of trouble and fall in love. Pascal is a little green chameleon who served as Rapunzel's best friend and confidant during her long imprisonment in the tower. Maximus is a big white stallion who starts out the movie hunting down Flynn with the police -- and ends the movie as a loyal friend to Flynn and Rapunzel and the head of the Royal Guard.
Walt Disney Studios
Sven, "Frozen" (2013)
Kristoff's loyal friend is an excellent example of why reindeers are better than people (according to some). He loves carrots, he can pull sleds like nobody's business, and he earns a medal for helping to save Anna and Elsa from the evil Prince Hans.
Walt Disney Studios
Heihei, "Moana" (2016)
Heihei isn't the smartest chicken in the coop, but he makes up for his low IQ by keeping Moana company on her long voyage across the sea -- and he manages to avoid being turned into Maui's meal along the way.
As ”Mulan“ turns 20, revisit Disney’s most famous furry, feathery and scaly sidekicks
"Mulan" celebrates its 20th birthday on June 19, having come out on that day in 1998. The beloved Disney film is based on a Chinese legend and tells the story of a young girl, Mulan, who impersonates a man to take her sick father's place in the fight against an invading Hun army. The movie was well-received by critics, earning multiple Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, and grossed $304 million at the box office. In addition to the title heroine, "Mulan" starred Eddie Murphie as a small red dragon named Mushu, who serves as a guardian for Mulan throughout the movie. In honor of Mulan's 20th birthday, take a look back at some of Disney's most iconic animal sidekicks.
RKO Radio Pictures
