Disney legend Don Iwerks has passed away at the age of 96, playing a pioneering role in the development of various camera and projection systems for the company’s parks and films. In a statement from the Disney D23 Instagram account, it was announced, "We are deeply saddened to report that Disney Legend Don Iwerks has passed away at the age of 96."

Iwerks was an innovator who took The Walt Disney Company to new technological heights. He helped perfect the sodium vapor process used in the Oscar®-winning film Mary Poppins in 1964, developed the 360-degree Circle-Vision camera that filmed the America the Beautiful documentary for Disney Parks, and implemented the projection system for the Star Tours attraction. Don Iwerks' achievements and his family have shaped Disney's creative ethos and have become an indispensable part of the company's history.

Born on July 24, 1929, Iwerks was the son of the famous Disney legend Ub Iwerks. Ub Iwerks worked alongside Walt Disney as the creator of Mickey Mouse. Don Iwerks began his career in 1950 as a special photographic processes laboratory technician at Walt Disney Productions, was called to serve in the Korean War, but returned to Disney two years later.

Continuing his work as a camera technician in 1953, Iwerks started working on the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Over time, he managed the machine shop, camera service department, and technical engineering and production division. Particularly known for developing the 360-degree Circle-Vision camera, Iwerks also contributed to the advancement of the sodium vapor process.