Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway Passes Away

Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway died at his Longwood home on Christmas Eve, he was 93 and worked in media relations for over 49 years, helping coordinate media coverage of the opening of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1971, plus the other openings of Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Some of his work included the Life Magazine cover which showed nearly 3000 cast members in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. He also covered the opening of Disneyland in 1955, when he worked as a reporter.

In 1999, Charlie Ridgway was inducted into the Disney Legends and had his name added to a window on Main Street U.S.A.

Ridgway was inducted in 1999 into The Disney Legends, a program that recognizes those who have made an extraordinary contribution to the company, his decades of work.

Walt Disney World Resort President George Kalogridis said:

“I had the pleasure of knowing Charlie Ridgway, and he was a true Disney legend who was known for his boundless creativity,” he said in a statement. “…He was beloved and respected, and he will be greatly missed by those who were fortunate enough to work with him.”

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement:

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends during this difficult time. His legacy will live on in our community, especially through his work with Disney that helped make Orlando the most magical place on earth”.