Ben Sharpsteen

While Walt Disney will always be remembered first and foremost as the leader of the Disney empire, there were several other "behind the scenes" contributors who lent a hand in Disney's construction, such as animator/producer/director Ben Sharpsteen. Sharpsteen began as an animator, before going on to work on some of Disney's most renowned/classic films during the early 1940s, including such titles as "Fantasia" (as an uncredited producer and director), "Pinocchio" (as supervising director), and "Dumbo" (also as supervising director). "Dumbo" would also bring Sharpsteen a Cannes Film Festival Award, for "Best Animation Design." In the late 1950s Sharpsteen received attention for his work from the folks at the Academy Awards, resulting in a nomination for "Portugal" in 1958, and a pair of wins in 1959, for "Ama Girls" and "White Wilderness." Sharpsteen also created the Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga, California, which focused on Sam Brannan (California's first millionaire), the history of the Upper Napa Valley, and Sharpsteen's life and work. Sharpsteen would go on to direct 34 films between 1920 and 1980.