RIP: Journalist-Turned-Disney-Publicist Charlie Ridgway

He passed away at his South Florida home on Christmas Eve.

LifeMagazine1971CoverHe retired in 1994. He was inducted into Disney’s “Legends” ranks in 1999. And on this Christmas Eve, at age 93, Charlie Ridgway ascended to the happiest place beyond earth.

From an obituary written by Orlando Sentinel breaking-news reporter Christal Hayes:

Ridgway was behind the iconic Life magazine cover showing cast members in front of Cinderella Castle during the opening of Magic Kingdom.

He also was behind some of the more quirky and creative ideas to promote the park over the years.

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