Longest-Serving Cast Member in the History of Disney Has Passed Away

It’s a sad day at The Walt Disney Company.

©Disney

The Company has been in the news lately with updates on its executive battles and more, but now we’ve got unfortunate news to report. A very unique Disney employee has passed away.

The Walt Disney Company posted earlier today that Disney Legend Burny Mattinson has unfortunately passed away. Mr. Mattinson was an animator, director, producer, and story artist at Disney, and was also the “longest-serving cast member in the history of The Walt Disney Company.” He actually worked for Disney for 70 years and passed away at 87 years old, following a short illness.

We are sad to report the passing of animator, director, producer, story artist, and Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, the longest-serving cast member in the history of The Walt Disney Company: https://t.co/leBFryPnQj pic.twitter.com/b2Gm1IzbDb

— The Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) February 27, 2023

You may recognize Mattinson from his solo directing work on Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) and his co-directing work on The Great Mouse Detective. He also worked as an artist on many movies including Lady and the Tramp and The Jungle Book. Plus, he was a “key member of the story team” on movies like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Tarzan.

At the time of his passing, Mattinson was still working full-time for Walt Disney Animation Studios as a “story consultant and mentor.” Mattinson became a Disney Legend in 2008.

CEO Bob Iger quoted the Tweet and shared some words himself, sharing that Mr. Mattinson “started as a messenger on the lot in 1953” and went on to become a Disney Animation Legend. He noted that Disney is “forever grateful for [Mattinson’s] contributions and seven decades of service.”

Deeply saddened that Disney Legend Burny Mattinson—our longest serving employee—has passed away. Burny started as a messenger on the lot in 1953 & went on to become a true icon of @DisneyAnimation. We are forever grateful for his contributions & seven decades of service. https://t.co/mUu89g17zW

— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) February 27, 2023

We here at AllEars are also so grateful to Mr. Mattinson for all he’s done for and with the company, and send our condolences to all who knew him. Disney notes that “[i]n lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MPTF (Motion Picture and Television Fund) in Woodland Hills, California.”

As always, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news.