The spelling of "Marc Davis" can be a bit tricky to decipher phonetically. "Marc" is pronounced as /mɑːrk/, with a long "a" sound and a hard "c" at the end. However, "Davis" has two pronunciations depending on if you're referring to a person's name or a place. As a name, it is pronounced as /ˈdeɪvɪs/ with a long "a" sound in the first syllable and a short "i" sound in the second syllable. As a place, it is pronounced as /ˈdeɪvɪz/, with a short "i" sound in the second syllable.
Marc Davis was an influential American animator and Imagineer, born on March 30, 1913, and passed away on January 12, 2000. He is best known for his significant contribution to the field of animation and as one of Walt Disney's original team of animators known as the "Nine Old Men." Davis played a pivotal role in the creation of several iconic Disney characters, such as Tinker Bell from Peter Pan, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, and Cruella de Vil from One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
In addition to his outstanding work as an animator, Marc Davis also made substantial contributions to Disney's theme park division, becoming one of the original Imagineers. He played a key role in the design and development of Disneyland attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. His expertise in animation brought a unique dimension to the creation of immersive, story-driven experiences within the theme park realm.
Marc Davis's distinguished career spanned several decades, and he left a lasting impact on both the animation and theme park industries. His ability to bring characters to life through animation and his visionary approach to themed entertainment solidified his reputation as a true pioneer in his field. His work continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide, making him a prominent figure in the rich history of Disney animation and Imagineering.