Norman Final Draft

As the first black animator to work for the Walt Disney company, Floyd Norman is a Disney legend who knows all about the path to success and the secrets to staying young. 

But Norman's legendary status and wisdom didn't come easy. 

He built up his portfolio and expertise the hard way for six decades since the 50s. 

"There are no shortcuts. There are no easy ways of doing this. You have to knuckle down and do the work," emphasized Norman. "Work hard. Dream big. Work hard, and that's the path to success." 

Floyd Norman, 85, recently spoke on Zoom to a journalism class at San Jose State University on March 22 about the highs and lows of his animation journey. 

Norman has worked on a number of films such as "Mulan", "Sleeping Beauty", and "One hundred and One Dalmations." 

When there were barely any employment opportunities in the industry, Norman had to take other jobs outside of his career path to feed his family. 

He spent hours in the valley under the beaming sun sweating while painting office buildings, refinishing wood, and repairing or installing roofs. 

One day, when Norman was painting an industrial building out in the San Fernando Valley, he got a call from one of the movie studios. 

"I dropped my paint and my brushes, got my car and drove to the studio," recounted Norman. 

After working for a few years at Disney, Norman got promoted to the story department where he worked with Walt Disney on the story for "The Jungle Book."

Norman said it was challenging for him as a young kid to attend interview meetings on a regular basis with Disney who was "somewhat terrifying", "intimidating" and "very demanding." 

"He wanted the best," said Norman. 

However, Norman persevered because he enjoyed his work, and even created many fond memories from the time he was at the Disney studio. 

"I could write a book on all the memories at the Walt Disney studio," chucked Norman. "The fun we've had, the great people we have worked with, the incredible, talented actors that we've worked with." 

Norman said he got to grab drinks with Tom Hanks and Helen Mirren and hang out with other movie stars.

But it was more than these celebrity perks that kept Norman active in the animation industry for decades.

"I was the guy who simply would not go away," smirked Norman. "[They] made me a Disney legend," Norman smirked. "That means now [they're] stuck with me."

Norman recalled how Disney encouraged him to retire at 65 but he still went into the office. 

Students reflected on Norman's neverending career. 

"I think it was heartwarming," said journalism senior Felix Oliveros. "It was inspiring to hear someone so in love with their work and just doing it for so long."

Norman encouraged the journalism class to continue to learn, work, and be fascinated by things.

"Good heavens, the best way to not get old is that don't start acting old," chuckled Norman. 

Instead of refurbishing buildings like his old days, Norman is constantly building his mind by thinking of storylines, human emotions, and ways to move audiences. 

Even at 85, He still has projects in the entertainment world with a secret upcoming movie on Disney Plus.

Norman has always stuck with the same motto throughout his legendary career. 

"The key thing is: to make a good picture, and to tell a good story," said Norman.