Post by drwadadli on Sept 4, 2018 16:49:41 GMT
Carole Shelley
Carole Shelley, a Tony-Award winning actress, was perhaps known best for her role as Gwendolyne Pidgeon in the original Broadway, TV, and film versions of The Odd Couple. However, for the Disney community, she was known for voicing three small, but memorable roles in The Aristocats (1970), Robin Hood (1973), and even Hercules (1997). She died of cancer this past Friday, August 31st at the age of 79.
Amelia Gabble, voiced by Shelley, was one of two sassy English goose twins that Duchess, O’Malley, and the kittens meet on their journey back home in The Aristocats. (Interestingly enough, Amelia’s sister, Abigail, was voiced by Monica Evans, who played Shelley’s on-screen sister Cecily in The Odd Couple as well!) Shelley also voiced one of my favorite Robin Hood characters, Lady Kluck! Monica Evans played Maid Marian and Lady Kluck was her fearless sidekick and lady-in-waiting. She single-handedly fought off Prince John’s soldiers. Shelley’s last voiceover work for Disney was her role as Lachesis the Fate in Hercules. The Fates predicted Hades’ failed attempt to take over Mount Olympus, and indoor plumbing… “it’s gonna be big.”
While Caroline Shelley’s work spans far beyond her voice acting roles in Disney Animation, the fun characters she helped bring to life will always be remembered.
Glenn W. Durflinger, Jr.
Glenn W. Durflinger, Jr. may have not been the most well-known Imagineer, but his work, from the early days of Walt Disney World and Epcot Center, to his role as project designer on Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, speaks volumes. He passed away on August 30th, at the age of 79.
Durflinger joined Disney in 1965, where his early projects included serving as draftsman and job captain on the creation of New Orleans Square and the 1967 refurbishment of Tomorrowland in Disneyland. His talents ultimately led him to work on the development of Walt Disney World, where he was an assistant project designer on the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland and Cinderella’s Castle. He ascended to project designer on two of the Disney parks’ most iconic thrill rides: Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. On Space Mountain, Durflinger calculated the geometry and resolved structural issues, allowing the ride to become one of the most thrilling experiences in Walt Disney World and a beloved fan favorite.
Durflinger would go on to serve as Director of Architecture for Epcot Center, where he managed all architectural and show set production, as well as interior, graphic, and landscaping design for the park. He later served as a project designer for Disney-MGM Studios, facility design director for Mickey’s ToonTown in Disneyland, and worked on Hong Kong Disneyland before his retirement in 2003. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Show Quality Standards department at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, which maintains the original art direction for attractions throughout the Disney parks. He was honored by the Disneyana Fan Club in 2006.
Carole Shelley, a Tony-Award winning actress, was perhaps known best for her role as Gwendolyne Pidgeon in the original Broadway, TV, and film versions of The Odd Couple. However, for the Disney community, she was known for voicing three small, but memorable roles in The Aristocats (1970), Robin Hood (1973), and even Hercules (1997). She died of cancer this past Friday, August 31st at the age of 79.
Amelia Gabble, voiced by Shelley, was one of two sassy English goose twins that Duchess, O’Malley, and the kittens meet on their journey back home in The Aristocats. (Interestingly enough, Amelia’s sister, Abigail, was voiced by Monica Evans, who played Shelley’s on-screen sister Cecily in The Odd Couple as well!) Shelley also voiced one of my favorite Robin Hood characters, Lady Kluck! Monica Evans played Maid Marian and Lady Kluck was her fearless sidekick and lady-in-waiting. She single-handedly fought off Prince John’s soldiers. Shelley’s last voiceover work for Disney was her role as Lachesis the Fate in Hercules. The Fates predicted Hades’ failed attempt to take over Mount Olympus, and indoor plumbing… “it’s gonna be big.”
While Caroline Shelley’s work spans far beyond her voice acting roles in Disney Animation, the fun characters she helped bring to life will always be remembered.
Glenn W. Durflinger, Jr.
Glenn W. Durflinger, Jr. may have not been the most well-known Imagineer, but his work, from the early days of Walt Disney World and Epcot Center, to his role as project designer on Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, speaks volumes. He passed away on August 30th, at the age of 79.
Durflinger joined Disney in 1965, where his early projects included serving as draftsman and job captain on the creation of New Orleans Square and the 1967 refurbishment of Tomorrowland in Disneyland. His talents ultimately led him to work on the development of Walt Disney World, where he was an assistant project designer on the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland and Cinderella’s Castle. He ascended to project designer on two of the Disney parks’ most iconic thrill rides: Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. On Space Mountain, Durflinger calculated the geometry and resolved structural issues, allowing the ride to become one of the most thrilling experiences in Walt Disney World and a beloved fan favorite.
Durflinger would go on to serve as Director of Architecture for Epcot Center, where he managed all architectural and show set production, as well as interior, graphic, and landscaping design for the park. He later served as a project designer for Disney-MGM Studios, facility design director for Mickey’s ToonTown in Disneyland, and worked on Hong Kong Disneyland before his retirement in 2003. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Show Quality Standards department at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, which maintains the original art direction for attractions throughout the Disney parks. He was honored by the Disneyana Fan Club in 2006.