Disney Legend and Former Disney World VP Passes Away

The Walt Disney Company has a large family of innovators, Imagineers, dreamers, celebrities, and dedicated cast members. Earlier today, Disney Legend Dick Nunis, the former chairman of Walt Disney Attractions, passed away.

Related: Disney Star Dies Suddenly at 41

His Life as a Cast Member

Before there was even a Disneyland, he worked at the park before it opened in 1955. What was once a summer job became a career as he worked his way up through the company.

Related: New Book About Disney Legend Dick Nunis to be Released by Disney Editions in 2022

He eventually found himself moving up to the role of attractions supervisor, and he became a director of park operations in 1961. Years later, Dick Nunis became VP of operations in 1968, and he later helped develop “Project X” which would later become Walt Disney World Resort.

He was later named as executive vice president of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park.

Related: The Dark History Behind Disney World’s Most Controversial Ride

In 1980, Nunis became the Outdoor Recreation Division president overseeing Walt Disney World Resort. He also consulted on plans for Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. Throughout the years, he remained a loyal member of the Disney company in various positions.

Related: Beloved Disney Historian Jim Korkis Dead at 72

He retired in 1999 after 44 years as a cast member and was inducted as a Disney Legend the same year.

Bob Iger’s Statement

Disney CEO Bob Iger released the following statement today (December 13):

“Today, we mourn the passing of Dick Nunis, a true Disney Legend whose contributions to The Walt Disney Company have touched the lives of millions of people all over the world.”

Disney Legend Dick Nunis, former chairman of Walt Disney Attractions, died today in Orlando. He was 91.

Dick's legacy can be seen across Disney's theme parks, including the development of "Project X" — which eventually became the Walt Disney World Resort. pic.twitter.com/tCBxkkmTFh

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) December 13, 2023

“What started as a summer job training future Disneyland employees would ultimately become a storied 44-year career at Disney. Dick took the values and philosophies he learned directly from Walt and incorporated them into everything he did at Disney. We are grateful for his many achievements, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”

Nunis once said, “Walt believed strongly that what would make Disneyland different was the people — he wanted them to feel that they were part of the organization. That’s why he established the first-name policy — he was Walt, I was Dick, and so on. From an overall operations point of view, the most important thing is to work together to make sure that when guests come, they have a wonderful experience.”

Related: Paying Tribute to the Saddest Celebrity Deaths in 2023

He was 91 years old.

A couple of years ago Dick released a book titled “Walt’s Apprentice: Keeping the Dream Alive,” and focused on his work within the Walt Disney Company.