Industry Icon Passes Away
Don Iwerks, a renowned Disney executive and cinematic innovator, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With a career spanning over seven decades, Iwerks made significant contributions to the development of various cinematic advancements, earning him the title of Disney Legend.
According to an obituary shared by his family, Iwerks passed away peacefully at the Ojai Community Memorial Care Center, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Those who knew him remember not only his extraordinary accomplishments but also the quiet grace with which he achieved them.
Like his father, Ub Iwerks, Don was a problem solver, always eager to share his knowledge and celebrate the successes of others. His humble and curious nature made him an unfailing optimist, believing that every challenge held the possibility of a solution. He continued to sketch new inventions, cheer on the Los Angeles Dodgers, and watch classic films, with Mary Poppins holding a special place in his heart.
Throughout his illustrious career, Iwerks made significant contributions to the development of various cinematic advancements. He worked alongside his father in the Studio Machine Shop to help create cameras, optical printers, and special effects systems for Disney films and theme parks. One of his notable achievements was the development of the original Circle-Vision camera system, as well as refinements to the sodium traveling matte process used in Mary Poppins (1964). He also pioneered numerous projection technologies for Disney attractions around the world.
In 1950, Don followed in his father’s footsteps by working at Walt Disney Studios’ Process Lab. Before joining the lab, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a photographer in Germany during the Korean War. After returning to Disney in 1952, Iwerks worked alongside his father to develop various technologies that would go on to shape the future of the entertainment industry.
In 1986, Don co-founded Iwerks Entertainment alongside fellow Disney executive Stan Kinsey. The company became a global pioneer in giant-screen theaters, motion simulators, and immersive 3D experiences worldwide. Iwerks’ technical contributions to the motion picture industry earned him the prestigious Gordon E. Sawyer Award at the Oscars in 1998. He and his father were also honored with a dedicated Main Street, U.S.A. window in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
Don Iwerks is survived by his wife, Betty; son Larry; son John and his wife Chris; documentarian daughter Leslie and great-nephew Mike, who both worked at The Walt Disney Company. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tamara, whom he loved deeply and carried in his heart always. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Community Memorial Continuing Care Center of Ojai and The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro paid tribute to Iwerks, stating, ‘Don embodied that rare combination of heart, ingenuity, and passion that has always defined Disney. Through his innovative contributions to some of our most iconic films and attractions, he helped create experiences that have delighted generations of fans around the world. All of us at The Walt Disney Company will miss him deeply, and we send our most heartfelt condolences to his family.’
