THE DHI FESS-TIVAL-Celebrating the Life of Fess Parker

Welcome to the first installment of the Disney History Institute’s Fess-Tival: A Celebration of the Disney Life & Times of Fess Parker. Check back each day for a new story, anecdote, or photo from Parker’s work for Walt Disney. All of the quotes from Fess Parker will come from the interview I did with him over Memorial Day weekend 1993 (unless otherwise cited).

When I first arrived for the interview at his Winery, the 68-year-old grandfather welcomed me as if we had known each other all of our lives. He escorted me through a room and into a high ceiling-beamed office. I noticed a coat rack with an American flag and a coonskin cap, all nestled against a wall with a myriad of photos from his career. We started the interview, but it was more like a chat between old friends. He seemed genuinely delighted to talk with me and share his memories. About half-way through our interview, Marcy Parker joined us. I can honestly say that this was a match made in heaven–the two kindest people on the planet had found each other. I sat there as the two of them talked with me and reminisced about the good old days. They are both wonderful people, and the world was a much better place because of them. The photo of the two (above) was taken that Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy.