Don Iwerks, Disney Camera and Projection Pioneer, Dies at 96
8 verified7 unconfirmed
Don Iwerks, a Disney legend known for innovations in camera and projection technology, has died at age 96. He was the son of Ub Iwerks, co-creator of Mickey Mouse. Iwerks developed the 360-degree Circle-Vision camera system and helped perfect the sodium vapor process used in the film “Mary Poppins.” After 35 years with Disney, he co-founded Iwerks Entertainment, a company that pioneered giant-screen theaters and motion simulators. Iwerks received the Gordon E. Sawyer Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was named a Disney Legend in 2009. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro issued a statement praising Iwerks’ contributions and expressing condolences to his family.
What’s verified
Don Iwerks died at age 96.
He was the son of Ub Iwerks, co-creator of Mickey Mouse.
He developed the 360-degree Circle-Vision camera system.
He helped perfect the sodium vapor process used in “Mary Poppins.”
He co-founded Iwerks Entertainment.
He received the Gordon E. Sawyer Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
He was named a Disney Legend in 2009.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro issued a statement mourning his death and praising his work.
Not yet confirmed
Variety reports that Iwerks died on July 9, 2026; Hollywood Reporter states he died “Thursday evening” but does not give a specific date.
Variety reports that Iwerks’ hands were used as the model for the Abraham Lincoln Audio-Animatronics figure at Disneyland.
Variety reports that Iwerks wrote a biography of his father at age 90 and restored historic Disney cameras for the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Hollywood Reporter reports that Iwerks started at Walt Disney Productions in 1950, was drafted into the Korean War, and returned in 1953 to work on “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Hollywood Reporter reports that Iwerks Entertainment was acquired by SimEx Inc. in 2001.
Variety identifies Stan Kinsey as co-founder of Iwerks Entertainment; Hollywood Reporter does not name a co-founder.
It is not specified what exact date and time Iwerks died.
Key figures
Don Iwerks: Disney camera and projection pioneer, Disney Legend.
Ub Iwerks: Co-creator of Mickey Mouse, father of Don Iwerks.
Josh D’Amaro: CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Stan Kinsey: Former Disney executive and co-founder of Iwerks Entertainment (per Variety).
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
