Dick Cook
Encyclopedia
Richard W. "Dick" Cook is the former Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios. At the time of his separation from the company, he was the only remaining top Disney
executive who had worked for the company since before Michael Eisner
took charge in 1984. Cook holds a degree in political science
from the University of Southern California
(USC).
and steam locomotive
amusement park
ride operator at Disneyland in Anaheim and moved to the Walt Disney Studios
in Burbank in 1977 to manage pay television and non-theatrical releases. In 1980, he moved to the company's film distribution department, eventually heading both its distribution and marketing efforts. He earned a reputation there by his marketing of Disney's home video
collection and hosting media-worthy movie premieres
, for example securing a United States Navy
aircraft carrier
based in Pearl Harbor
to host the debut of the film Pearl Harbor
.
In 2002 Eisner named him as Peter Schneider's replacement as chairman of studios, popularly called the studio chief. Cook was in charge of developing, distributing and marketing all films, live-action or animated, released by Walt Disney Pictures
, Touchstone Pictures
and Hollywood Pictures
. Cook was also the executive in charge of the Disney Music Group, which encompasses Hollywood Records
and the better known Walt Disney Records
. He also oversaw the home entertainment and home entertainment international divisions of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group. He was responsible for legal and business matters relating to the studio.
Cook, described by BusinessWeek
in 2003 as "the nicest guy in Disney's jungle," is known for his down-to-earth personality and his good relations with Disney's partners, including Jerry Bruckheimer
.
On September 18, 2009, Cook stepped down as chairman of Walt Disney Studios, allegedly having been asked to do so by Bob Iger, president/CEO of the Walt Disney Company. He was then replaced by Disney Channel president Rich Ross
.
and as president of the USC Alumni Association
(1999–2000). He is a sponsor of the USC Scripter Circle. Cook is on the board of directors for the Will Rogers Institute
and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. He is a past president of The Chandler School Board of Trustees and past chairman of the Flintridge Preparatory School Board of Trustees.
Member of Board of Governors of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society.
In 1976, Cook was awarded the George Washington Medal of Freedom by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
. This award is in recognition of individuals "who 'go above and beyond the call of duty' on local, regional or national level projects or efforts that continue at least one year."
In 2004, Cook was awarded the Motion Picture Showmanship Award by the International Cinematographer
s Guild to honor creative accomplishments in forming, developing, producing or presenting motion picture projects.
In 2005, Cook was awarded the Walt Disney Man of the Year Award, in recognition of "inspiring and positive role models for young people" from within the entertainment community, by Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Greater Los Angeles
& the Inland Empire
.
Carolwood Chronicle, View From the Cupola.
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
executive who had worked for the company since before Michael Eisner
Michael Eisner
Michael Dammann Eisner is an American businessman. He was the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 until 2005.-Early life:...
took charge in 1984. Cook holds a degree in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
from the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
(USC).
Career
Cook began his career with Disney in 1970 as a monorailMonorail
A monorail is a rail-based transportation system based on a single rail, which acts as its sole support and its guideway. The term is also used variously to describe the beam of the system, or the vehicles traveling on such a beam or track...
and steam locomotive
Steam locomotive
A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its power through a steam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning some combustible material, usually coal, wood or oil, to produce steam in a boiler, which drives the steam engine...
amusement park
Amusement park
thumb|Cinderella Castle in [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Disney World]]Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people...
ride operator at Disneyland in Anaheim and moved to the Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios (Burbank)
The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, United States, serve as the international headquarters for media conglomerate The Walt Disney Company. The Walt Disney Studio's house offices for each of the company's divisions along with creative spaces designed for movie production. The Walt Disney...
in Burbank in 1977 to manage pay television and non-theatrical releases. In 1980, he moved to the company's film distribution department, eventually heading both its distribution and marketing efforts. He earned a reputation there by his marketing of Disney's home video
Home video
Home video is a blanket term used for pre-recorded media that is either sold or rented/hired for home cinema entertainment. The term originates from the VHS/Betamax era but has carried over into current optical disc formats like DVD and Blu-ray Disc and, to a lesser extent, into methods of digital...
collection and hosting media-worthy movie premieres
Premières
Premières is a commune in the Côte-d'Or department in eastern France.-Population:-References:*...
, for example securing a United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
aircraft carrier
Aircraft carrier
An aircraft carrier is a warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft, acting as a seagoing airbase. Aircraft carriers thus allow a naval force to project air power worldwide without having to depend on local bases for staging aircraft operations...
based in Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
to host the debut of the film Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor (film)
Pearl Harbor is a 2001 American action drama war film directed by Michael Bay and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Randall Wallace, who wrote the screenplay...
.
In 2002 Eisner named him as Peter Schneider's replacement as chairman of studios, popularly called the studio chief. Cook was in charge of developing, distributing and marketing all films, live-action or animated, released by Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures is an American film studio owned by The Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney Pictures and Television, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Studios and the main production company for live-action feature films within the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, based at the Walt Disney...
, Touchstone Pictures
Touchstone Pictures
Touchstone Pictures is an American film production label and is one of several film labels of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group. Established in 1984, its releases typically feature more mature themes and darker tones than those that are released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner.Touchstone...
and Hollywood Pictures
Hollywood Pictures
Hollywood Pictures is one of The Walt Disney Company's several alternate movie divisions. Like Disney's Touchstone Pictures brand, it produces films for a more mature adult audience than Walt Disney Pictures.-History:...
. Cook was also the executive in charge of the Disney Music Group, which encompasses Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
and the better known Walt Disney Records
Walt Disney Records
Walt Disney Records is a family music record label owned by the Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney Records was formed in 1956 as Disneyland Records. Before that time, Disney recordings were licensed out to a variety of other labels such as . It was Walt Disney’s brother Roy O...
. He also oversaw the home entertainment and home entertainment international divisions of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group. He was responsible for legal and business matters relating to the studio.
Cook, described by BusinessWeek
BusinessWeek
Bloomberg Businessweek, commonly and formerly known as BusinessWeek, is a weekly business magazine published by Bloomberg L.P. It is currently headquartered in New York City.- History :...
in 2003 as "the nicest guy in Disney's jungle," is known for his down-to-earth personality and his good relations with Disney's partners, including Jerry Bruckheimer
Jerry Bruckheimer
Jerome Leon "Jerry" Bruckheimer is an American film and television producer. He has achieved great success in the genres of action, drama, and science fiction. His best known television series are CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Eleventh Hour, Without a Trace, Cold Case, The...
.
On September 18, 2009, Cook stepped down as chairman of Walt Disney Studios, allegedly having been asked to do so by Bob Iger, president/CEO of the Walt Disney Company. He was then replaced by Disney Channel president Rich Ross
Rich Ross
Rich Ross is an entertainment executive. He is currently Chairman of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.Ross is originally from Eastchester, New York. His first job in the entertainment industry was as a booking agent at Nickelodeon. Later he was a senior vice president at Disney Channel and...
.
Awards and affiliations
Cook has served as a USC trusteeTrustee
Trustee is a legal term which, in its broadest sense, can refer to any person who holds property, authority, or a position of trust or responsibility for the benefit of another...
and as president of the USC Alumni Association
Alumni association
An alumni association is an association of graduates or, more broadly, of former students. In the United Kingdom and the United States, alumni of universities, colleges, schools , fraternities, and sororities often form groups with alumni from the same organisation...
(1999–2000). He is a sponsor of the USC Scripter Circle. Cook is on the board of directors for the Will Rogers Institute
Will Rogers Institute
The Will Rogers Institute's mission is to perpetuate the memory of Will Rogers by promoting and engaging in medical research pertaining to cardiopulmonary diseases and educating the public on topics of health and fitness...
and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. He is a past president of The Chandler School Board of Trustees and past chairman of the Flintridge Preparatory School Board of Trustees.
Member of Board of Governors of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society.
In 1976, Cook was awarded the George Washington Medal of Freedom by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a national, non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian educational organization, founded in 1949. The Foundation is located adjacent to the Valley Forge National Historical Park, near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, U.S., and sits on ground that was once part of...
. This award is in recognition of individuals "who 'go above and beyond the call of duty' on local, regional or national level projects or efforts that continue at least one year."
In 2004, Cook was awarded the Motion Picture Showmanship Award by the International Cinematographer
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
s Guild to honor creative accomplishments in forming, developing, producing or presenting motion picture projects.
In 2005, Cook was awarded the Walt Disney Man of the Year Award, in recognition of "inspiring and positive role models for young people" from within the entertainment community, by Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a 501 non-profit organization whose mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that try to have a measurable impact on youth....
of Greater Los Angeles
Greater Los Angeles Area
The Greater Los Angeles Area, or the Southland, is a term used for the Combined Statistical Area sprawled over five counties in the southern part of California, namely Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Ventura County...
& the Inland Empire
Inland Empire (California)
The Inland Empire is a region in Southern California. The region sits directly east of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Inland Empire most commonly is used in reference to the U.S. Census Bureau's federally-defined Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, which covers more than...
.
Sources
- Grover, Ronald. (December 5, 2003). The Nicest Guy in Disney's Jungle. BusinessWeek. Accessed July 4, 2007.
- Richard Cook Bio from The Walt Disney Company. Accessed July 4, 2007.
- Sellers, Patricia. (March 21, 2005). Disney's Mr. Calm Unreels Miramax. Fortune. Accessed July 4, 2007.
- Streisand, Betsy. (April 1, 2004). Can Dick Cook Keep Disney Afloat? CNN Money. Accessed July 4, 2007.
- Broggie, Michael. (July 2008).
Carolwood Chronicle, View From the Cupola.