Hench (1) & Disney Because of his resemblance to Disney, he was often mistaken for Disney and would sign autographs for park visitors who thought they were meeting Walt Disney himself.

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA; raised in Southern California. Artist at Disney from 1939 whose credits include FANTASIA (1940, background artist), DUMBO (1941, background artist), THE THREE CABALLEROS (1945, layout artist), MAKE MINE MUSIC (1946, art director), SO DEAR TO MY HEART (1949, cartoon art dept.), ALICE IN WONDERLAND (1951, color and styling), PETER PAN (1953, color and styling) and DONALD IN MATHMAGIC LAND (1959, styling). In 1954, Hench was asked by Walt Disney to join a team of artists and designers working on the plans for Disneyland. Working initially on the design of Tomorrowland, he was responsible for the distinctive "futuristic" feel of the land, especially in guiding the design of the Moonliner, and later, the design of Space Mountain. After Walt Disney's death in 1966, Hench spent much of the remainder of his career overseeing the creation of all the Walt Disney Company's theme parks around the world. In 1990, Hench was named a "Disney Legend". His final job title was Senior Vice President at Walt Disney Imagineering after 60 years of service at Disney. Up until the last few weeks before his death, Hench came into work every day without fail.  Special Effects 1954: 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA - No nominations listed, but film credits John Hench, Ub Iwerks, Josh Meador & Ralph Hammeras. 1 Award