Today in Disney History: Marvin Davis Passes Away in California

Marvin Davis passed away on this day in 1998 in Santa Monica, California following a brief illness. He was 87 years old. He was born on December 21, 1910 in Clovis, New Mexico. About two years after graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in architecture he was hired by 20th Century Fox. During his time with 20th Century Fox he worked as an art director on such films as “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” and “The Asphalt Jungle.” 

Davis joined Walt Disney Productions’ (now known as known as The Walt Disney Company) WED Enterprises (now known as Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc. or Imagineering for short) in 1953 thanks to an invitation by good friend Dick Irvine. Davis was instrumental in bringing Walt Disney’s idea of Disneyland to life. For two years prior to the opening, Davis worked on more than 100 different versions of the park and designed many of the building exteriors. 

After Disneyland opened, Davis returned to art directing and scenic design in films such as Moon Pilot, Babes in Toyland and Big Red as well as television series’ such as Zorro and Mickey Mouse Club. 

In 1965, Davis returned to WED as a project designer on The Florida Project which became Walt Disney World in Florida. He devised the master plan for the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. 

Davis retired from Walt Disney Productions in 1975. He was named a Disney Legend in 1994, in the Film and Imagineering category.