Longtime Legendary Disney Imagineer Dead at 80

It is no secret that Disney cast members bring magic to Disney theme parks every single day. They work very hard to keep Walt’s dreams alive by keeping the parks clean, running the rides, and creating memorable experiences for guests. But none of what Disney cast members do, and none of what Disney guests experience, would be possible without the brilliant and creative minds who work behind the scenes at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Credit: Walt Disney Archives

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Walt Disney Imagineers have completely changed the theme park industry with one-of-a-kind rides and attractions. They are also the ones who created the original audio-animatronics. Those animatronics are now the staple of many Disney attractions, like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and the popular EPCOT ride Frozen Ever After.

Credit: Disney

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Sadly, we have learned that one of those incredibly talented Disney Imagineers has died at the age of 80. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Dan Goozee has passed away. Goozee’s family confirmed his head with THR, saying that he died from an “age-related” illness that he had been battling for two years.

His family shared that he had passed away on April 7 at the West Hills Hospital & Medical Center.

Credit: Victor Ibarra, Unsplash

For many years, Goozee worked on some of Disney’s most well-known and gorgeous projects. He created the concept art for the creation of Disneyland Paris, as well as Tokyo DisneySea. He also worked on the concept art for Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Over at EPCOT, guests can see some of Goozee’s genius at both the Imagination Pavilion and the Seas Pavilion.

Credit: Disney

Helping create some of Disney’s most iconic attractions is not the only thing Goozee was named for. He also used his artistic talent to create amazing movie posters for films like Clash of the Titans (1981), Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987), Moonraker (1979), Octopussy (1983), and View to a Kill (1985).

He also worked as a production illustrator on films like Doctor Dolittle (1967), Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), The Poseidon Adventure (1972) and The Towering Inferno (1974).

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dan Goozee.