Yesterday, The Blast reported that 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.
Now, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro is paying his respects, reflecting back on Crump’s legacy.
Josh D’Amaro Speaks Out
Josh D’Amaro took to Instagram to share a photo of the late Disney Imagineer, who is seen standing amongst some of the most iconic dolls from the popular attraction, “it’s a small world”, which Crump helped design.
“If you’ve ever visited Disney attractions such as The Haunted Mansion, Enchanted Tiki Room and “it’s a small world” or watched the movies Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, or Sleeping Beauty, then you’ve enjoyed the incredible work of Rolly Crump,” D’Amaro wrote on Instagram.
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The Disney Parks Chairman added, “Rolly sadly passed this week at the age of 93, and we honor him as an animator and an Imagineer. With his work, Rolly embodied Disney creativity and innovation in the service of storytelling. His legacy at Disney will live on in the happiness his work continues to deliver to millions of guests every year.”
D’Amaro concluded with a quote from Walt Disney himself, writing, “As Walt Disney said; ‘it takes people to make the dream a reality’. Thank you Rolly, for making the world a happier place.”
Rolly Crump’s Legacy
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.”
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.”
