Ben Sharpsteen

(1895 - 1980)

Benjamin Sharpsteen was an American film director and producer for Disney. He was born on 4 November 1895 in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from an agricultural college but gave up farming to join the Marines during World War II. He became an animator, joining the old International Film Company in New York, but soon joined Walt Diseny. He directed 31 films between 1920 and 1980. He also created a museum documenting the history of California's first millionaire, Sam Brannan, and the history of the Upper Napa Valley as well. He died in Napa County, California on 20 December 1980.