Sharon Mae Disney was the youngest daughter of Walt Disney, the legendary animator, film producer, and entrepreneur. She was adopted by Walt and his wife Lillian when she was only two weeks old, after they had suffered several miscarriages. Sharon grew up in a loving family and had a close relationship with her older sister Diane, who was Walt’s biological daughter. Sharon was also involved in some of her father’s projects, such as appearing in the 1950 TV special One Hour in Wonderland and having a small role in the 1957 film Johnny Tremain.
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Sharon’s Marriages and Children
Sharon married Robert Brown, a real estate developer, in 1959. They adopted a daughter, Victoria, in 1966. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1967. Sharon then married Bill Lund, another real estate developer who had worked with Walt on scouting the land for Disney World in Orlando. They had twins, Brad and Michelle, in 1970. Sharon and Bill divorced in 1977, but remained on good terms.
Sharon’s Philanthropy and Career
Sharon was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various educational and cultural institutions. She was also a trustee of the California Institute of the Arts, the Marianne Frostig Center of Educational Therapy, and the Curtis School Foundation. She also served on the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company, along with her sister Diane.
Sharon’s Illness and Death
Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but the disease spread to her lungs and brain. She died on February 16, 1993, at the age of 56, in Santa Monica, California. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered at sea.
Sharon’s Legacy and Controversy
Sharon left behind a vast fortune for her three children, estimated at about $400 million today. However, her will stipulated that they would receive their inheritance in installments when they reached the ages of 35, 40, and 45, and only if they demonstrated maturity and financial ability to manage their funds. This clause sparked a bitter family feud among her children and the trustees of her estate, who included her ex-husband Bill and her sister Diane. The trustees accused Brad of being mentally incompetent and denied him his distributions, while granting them to Michelle despite her history of drug addiction and brain aneurysm. Victoria also sued the trustees for mismanaging her trust fund and cutting off her access to it. The dispute resulted in several lawsuits and trials that revealed shocking allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping, incest, and fraud.
Sharon Mae Disney cause of death was a tragic end to a life that was marked by both joy and sorrow. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and friend who contributed to her father’s legacy and supported many worthy causes. She also faced many challenges and conflicts that tarnished her family’s image and reputation. She remains a fascinating figure in the history of the Disney dynasty.
