Disney Imagineer, Rolly Crump, known for his work on the Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world”, and the Enchanted Tiki Room, has sadly passed away. He was 93 years old.
According to a Facebook post from close friend and co-author of “It’s Kind of a Cute Story” Jeff Heimbuch, Crump passed away on March 12 in his home in California.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Roland “Rolly” Fargo Crump passed away peacefully yesterday morning at his home in Carlsbad, CA,” the post read. “He was 93 years old.”
Rolly Crump’s Legacy
Heimbuch went on to discuss Crump’s legacy with The Walt Disney Company, writing, “A truly one-of-a-kind individual, Rolly’s whimsical work has been featured all over the world. Whether it was his numerous contributions to the Walt Disney films & theme parks, his work for various pop culture luminaries (like Ernie Ball and Jacques Cousteau), or his own personal artwork, Rolly’s incredible style was uniquely his and instantly recognizable to many.”
Crump is best known for his work within the Disney Parks, having helped design some of the most iconic attractions, including the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, and “it’s a small world”. He not only worked within the Disney community, but he also went on to create and design projects for Knotts Berry Farm, Busch Gardens, and other theme parks.
“He leaves behind a legacy that can never be matched, and the magic he crafted for countless people worldwide will never be forgotten,” the Facebook post continued. “Rolly and his family would like to thank the fans for supporting his work over the years. His entire life was filled with one “kind of a cute story” after the next, and he will be remembered with lots of love.”
Disney Community Speaks Out
Many members of the Disney community quickly took to social media to pay their respects for the Disney Imagineer, including the Walt Disney Family Museum, who wrote, “Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Disney Legend and Imagineer, Rolly Crump. Rolly was a true original amongst Imagineers. His imagination and creativity will be greatly missed here at the museum.”
Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Disney Legend and Imagineer, Rolly Crump. Rolly was a true original amongst Imagineers. His imagination and creativity will be greatly missed here at the museum. pic.twitter.com/h6rx4ReCL5
— The Walt Disney Family Museum (@WDFMuseum) March 13, 2023
As another Disney fan Tweeted, “Very, very sad to hear about the passing of legendary Imagineer Rolly Crump. Along with The Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room, his work on 80s Epcot pavilions, including The Land, remain one of my favorite parts of the park to ride.”
Very, very sad to hear about the passing of legendary Imagineer Rolly Crump.
Along with The Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room, his work on 80s Epcot pavilions, including The Land, remain one of my favourites parts of the park to ride. pic.twitter.com/rmlcyxgvx6
— Antony 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈(He/They) (@RemyLeBeau) March 14, 2023
As one aspiring artist and Disney fan took the time to remember one special interaction he had with Rolly Crump. “Just heard about the passing of Rolly Crump, who served as an artistic inspiration to so many people, including myself,” he Tweeted before adding, “A few years ago, I had emailed him about how inspiring his story was, and he had sent me this response 💛.”
He then shared a photo of what Crump had sent him.
Just heard about the passing of Rolly Crump, who served as an artistic inspiration to so many people, including myself.
A few years ago, I had emailed him about how inspiring his story was, and he had sent me this response 💛 pic.twitter.com/VMjRjvNHJ9
— 🦷🤡c h r i s 🤡🦷 (@hungwyclown) March 14, 2023
And one Disney fan simply wrote, “rip rolly crump. a true creative visionary in the industry❤️❤️❤️.”
rip rolly crump
a true creative visionary in the industry❤️❤️❤️
— c1audin 🔜 PAX EAST (@littlemsmccste) March 14, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crump Family.
