CLAUDE COATS: A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

The Disney Parks we enjoy today owe it all to those early innovators at Walt Disney Imagineering. Of that hand selected group of artists and engineers, one man stands above the rest. Literally. Over six feet, six inches tall, Claude Coats had enormous talent to match his stature. Originally from the animation crew at Disney Studios, Walt brought the "gentle giant" aboard the Disneyland project as the park was nearing completion to help create Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. And over the decades, Claude had a huge part in creating the Disney magic we still love today.
We're proud to join Claude's son, Alan Coats (An Imagineer himself), to celebrate Claude's 100th Birthday and remember his amazing 54 year Disney career.
Happy Birthday Claude!

[@abalogh87]

Just purchased David Bosserts book about Claude. Absolutely outstanding! Thank you to Alan for sharing some memories of his father.

[@katrinagary7438]

This is amazing - thank you for this ❤

[@cinemamonamour3113]

Thank you for this interview! Claude Coats is my favourite background artist!

[@alskndlaskndal]

Thanks for the fun and informative video. Disney history is so rich, so many amazing people brought us the movies and attractions we know today. Claude Coats was certainly one of the giants (and not just his height...), hard to believe his career spanned Pinocchio to Paris Disneyland!

[@alison2649]

I wish he would share wth us what ethnicity Claude was. I’m super curious. He was tall dark and handsome.