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Charlie Ridgway was a journalist-turned-publicist thanks to The Walt Disney Company. He first joined Disneyland's office in 1963 and became in instant success when he showed he could promote theme parks by assisting with the planning and logistics of 150 press events right away.
Before he was with the company, he promoted Disneyland as a news reporter in the mid-50's. D23 confirms Ridgway was one of the first to write articles while the park was under construction. After being hired years later, Ridgway was promoted and became Disneyland's publicity supervisor in 1966. In 1969 he continued to climb the ladder at a rapid pace, becoming a manager and soon after, director of press and publicity for Walt Disney World (which was under construction at the time.
Ridgway had a hand in several iconic Disney projects, like the launch of Walt Disney World in 1971, EPCOT Center in 1972, Disneyland Paris in 1992, Animal Kingdom and The Disney Cruise Line both in 1998.
Charlie Ridgway retired in 1994 and was inducted as a Disney Legend (hall of fame) in 1999.
He had such an impact on Walt Disney World and the the Disney community as a whole, that in 2013, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer proclaimed July 26 as "Charles Ridgway Day."
Walt Disney World President George A. Kalogridis released a statement after hear the news of Ridgway's passing:
“I had the pleasure of knowing Charlie Ridgway, and he was a true Disney legend who was known for his boundless creativity. He started his career as a publicist at Disneyland in 1963 and later helped share the story of a new destination called Walt Disney World when it opened in 1971. He was beloved and respected, and he will be greatly missed by those who were fortunate enough to work with him.” -- George A. Kalogridis
