Marty Called - Wants Changes: Remembering Marty Sklar

LA Times

The World has lost another legend.

Marty Sklar passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at his home in Hollywood Hills.  He was 83.

The Magic in Pixels

He spent over five decades with The Walt Disney Company and worked tirelessly to bring Walt Disney's dream to life around the globe.

I was lucky enough to get to meet Marty Sklar in September of 2013 during a book signing at Downtown Disney.  We talked about Hollywood Studios - my home park - and he thanked me for carrying on Walt's dream.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Marty was "(b)orn in New Brunswick, N.J., on February 6, 1934.  Marty was a student at UCLA and editor of its Daily Bruin newspaper when he was recruited to create The Disneyland News for Walt’s new theme park in 1955. After graduating in 1956, he joined Disney full-time, and would go on to serve as Walt’s right-hand man—scripting speeches, marketing materials, and a film showcasing Walt’s vision for Walt Disney World and Epcot. During this period, he also joined WED Enterprises, the forerunner of Walt Disney Imagineering, and he would later become the creative leader of Imagineering, leading the development of Disney theme parks and attractions for the next three decades. He retired as Executive Vice President and Imagineering Ambassador on July 17, 2009, Disneyland’s 54th birthday. Disney marked the occasion by paying tribute to Marty with the highest Parks and Resorts recognition, dedicating a window in his name on Disneyland’s City Hall."

Oh My Disney

Following the news of Marty's death, The Mouse Knows Best Podcast released the following statement:

"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken over the passing of Marty Sklar. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
A true legend, Marty's passion for creating magic for each and every Disney Parks guest was truly unrivaled. His infectious enthusiasm was irresistible, and the joy he always exhibited was contagious. His incredible, uncontainable imagination will continue to inspire future generations to dream it and do it.

For so many, Marty was much more than merely an Imagineer or an ambassador for Disney. He was our Imagineer and our ambassador. He was one of us, humble and endearing throughout his illustrious career and life. He made us believe that it really is fun to do the impossible.

There will never be another Marty Sklar.

Our crew was scheduled to interview Marty Sklar on our podcast this upcoming week. We received the news about his passing last night just moments after we finished recording our next episode. His passing has shook us to the core due to our immense admiration for the man who left us too soon.

 In our email exchanges over the past couple of months preparing for the interview, Marty was always so benevolent and gracious, leading to an authentic enthusiasm to talk with our crew. He even suggested this week in particular so we could react to the D23 Expo announcements together. No doubt he had done countless interviews similar to the one we were preparing to conduct, but his genuine excitement for our show made you believe he had never done anything like it before."

To honor Marty, we will pay tribute to his amazing life and career on episode 78."

Jewish Journal

Thank you for everything, Marty.  You will be miss by the entire Disney Family.

Robyn Fleenor is a contributing writer for The Mouse Knows Best Podcast. She is an avid Disney fanatic and would rather be at Walt Disney World eating glazed almonds than anything else.  When she isn't working to pay for her next Disney vacation, she likes to binge watch TV shows and fall in love with fictional characters. She can be found tweeting at @rahrah6263.