Wolfgang "Woolie" Hench, a celebrated and accomplished artist, has dedicated more than six decades of his illustrious career to the esteemed Walt Disney Company, having had the privilege of being involved in the creation of nearly every Disney animated feature film and theme park attraction.
Born in the vibrant city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Hench's artistic talents were nurtured and refined through his attendance at numerous prestigious art schools across the United States.
These esteemed institutions included the renowned Art Students League of New York, where he honed his skills alongside other talented artists.
Additionally, Hench also had the opportunity to attend Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Art Institute, and the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, further expanding his artistic knowledge and expertise.
Throughout his remarkable career, Hench has been an integral part of the Disney legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the world of animation and theme park design.
The remarkable career of Hench, which commenced in 1939, unfolded as a story artist, swiftly evolving into a pivotal component of the animation department. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to a diverse array of projects, showcasing his remarkable versatility and artistic range. His impressive repertoire included the creation of backgrounds, layout design, art direction, effects animation, and special effects, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
As a testament to his exceptional talent, Hench earned the admiration and respect of none other than the visionary Walt Disney himself. This esteemed recognition led to a unique collaboration between Hench and the celebrated artist Salvador Dalí on the animated short film Destino. This ambitious project, which spanned an astonishing nearly six decades, from its inception in 1945 to its eventual completion and release in 2003, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Hench's remarkable career.
Biography of Hench:
Born in 1905, Hench's fascination with art and animation began at a young age. He honed his skills through extensive training and apprenticeships, eventually landing a position at Disney Studios in 1939. Throughout his illustrious career, Hench worked on numerous iconic projects, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Bambi. His innovative and imaginative approach to animation earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, cementing his status as a Disney legend. Hench's dedication to his craft and his unwavering passion for animation have left an indelible mark on the world of animation, ensuring his legacy as one of the most influential and beloved animators of all time.
Notable Disney artist and portrait painter, Hench held the esteemed position of officially capturing the likenesses of beloved characters, including Mickey Mouse, on numerous milestone birthdays, with his brushstrokes immortalizing the iconic mouse's 25th, 50th, 60th, 70th, and 75th anniversaries.
Later, in 1954, Hench shifted his focus to the live-action department, where his expertise and creativity played a pivotal role in the conception and execution of the groundbreaking hydraulic giant squid in the film adaptation of Jules Verne's classic tale, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This masterpiece earned widespread critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Special Effects, cementing Hench's position as a master of his craft.
Noteworthy in his illustrious career, Hench embarked on a new chapter, joining WED Enterprises, a renowned organization that would later evolve into Walt Disney Imagineering, where he leveraged his exceptional skills to craft innovative and captivating attractions for the esteemed Disneyland.
In his subsequent endeavors, Hench made significant contributions to the Disney theme park landscape, conceptualizing and designing a plethora of iconic elements that continue to delight visitors worldwide. His impressive portfolio boasts the majestic Cinderella Castle, a crowning jewel at both Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland, as well as the futuristic Space Mountain, a thrilling attraction that has become an integral part of the Disney experience. Furthermore, his expertise was instrumental in the development of the Mickey Mouse Revue, a beloved attraction that has entertained countless guests and cemented its place in the annals of Disney history.
Due to his uncanny physical resemblance to the renowned and beloved entertainment icon Walt Disney, coupled with his habitual and regular visits to the enchanting Disney theme parks, Hench found himself frequently and unwittingly mistaken for the esteemed Disney patriarch himself, resulting in a multitude of instances where he was requested to sign autographs and pose for photographs with unsuspecting park visitors who were utterly convinced of his identity as the legendary Disney.
