Let’s Hear It For The Roys:

I have been keeping in touch with Tee Bosustow as of late on a number of projects we are working on. Some of the projects involve looking at a number of photos and sketches of his dad, UPA founder Stephen Bosustow. I am starting to get a feel for the man. It set me to thinking on what Stephen Bosustow needed to turn UPA into a powerhouse like Disneys.

Stephen Bosustow had the creativity and the commitment to quality. He had the love of animation. What he didn’t have was Walt’s brother Roy. Think about that. Neither Walt or Stephen were that good with the business side but Walt had a brother enabling his creativity and keeping the company going. And that is why Disney is still around and UPA is a lovely memory.

Roy Sr. is the unsung hero of the Disney Story. Everybody talks about Walt and they even have an exhibit at California Adventure dedicated to “One Man’s Vision”. But none of it would have worked without Roy Sr. It use to be known as the Disney Brothers Studio. Damn it, it still should be. I have 2 major heroes who are both named Roy Disney. The first one made the dream possible and the second one kept the dream alive. Walt is not Walt without his brother Roy.