Frank Wells

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Frank Wells (March 4, 1932 - April 3, 1994), was an American entertainment businessman.

Previously, Wells had worked for Warner Brothers as its Vice President of West Coast in 1969, then in 1973 as President, and in 1977 as Vice Chairman until he left the company in 1982. Disney shareholders Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold recruited Wells to become Disney's President and Chief Operating Officer (1984-1994), along with Michael Eisner as Chairman and CEO, in their bid to oust CEO/President Ron W. Miller.

He came close but did not achieve his goal of climbing the highest mountain on all seven continents; only Mount Everest eluded him, as bad weather forced his party to give up one day before reaching the summit. At the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride at Disneyland in Anaheim, Wells is honoured with skiing expedition boxes littered about the scenery emblazoned with 'Wells Expedition', honouring his love of climbing mountains.

Wells died in a helicopter crash while returning from a ski trip in Nevada's Ruby Mountains. The movie The Lion King, which came out the summer following Wells' death, is dedicated to him. There is also a building named in his honor at the Walt Disney Studios. It houses the Disney Archives.