Actor Kurt Russell was on the set of Universal Studios filming a new western TV show on December 15, 1966. While filming a close-up, Russell recalled, the 15-year-old was informed that Walt Disney had died. Russell had become a favorite actor of Disney’s after his starring role in the 1966 film Follow Me, Boys! In fact, Disney saw to it himself that Russell was offered a 10-year contract with The Walt Disney Company.
Since Disney’s death, a strange rumor persists about his last few days alive – were Walt Disney’s final words “Kurt Russell”?
Disney’s final days
Just a month prior to his death, Walt Disney was diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor on his lung. A life-long smoker, Disney preferred cigarettes without filters and also smoked from a pipe, contributing to his illness. After undergoing surgery and receiving radiation therapy, 65-year-old Walt Disney immediately went back to work designing the new Walt Disney World in Orlando, the futuristic EPCOT Center, and overseeing several Disney film and television productions like The Jungle Book.
In early 1966, a young Kurt Russell wowed Walt Disney with his role in Follow Me, Boys! – which also contains Disney’s final filmed appearance before his death. Disney reportedly told viewers that Russell had a great future in acting, and personally ensured that Russell received a contract to work for Disney for the next decade.
In early 1966, a young Kurt Russell wowed Walt Disney with his role in Follow Me, Boys! – which also contains Disney’s final filmed appearance before his death. Disney reportedly told viewers that Russell had a great future in acting, and personally ensured that Russell received a contract to work for Disney for the next decade.
