From Ice Capades Program - 1958
Welcome to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to pay tribute to my father, Paul Castle Sr. known to others as Mickey Mouse (at Disneyland in California for 25 years), as the Might Mite (with Ice Capades) and other skating shows in the United States and Holiday On Ice in Europe.

My father has made so many people happy throughout his 86 years of life, it would be nice if those who may have seen him or have met him could post their experiences with him.

We are asking for prayers and well wishes as he is approaching the end of his life. If you would like to post any words of encouragement I will present them to him.

Feel free to respond to the pictures or blogs or send your comments to PaulCastleSr@gmail.com

If you're on twitter you can tweat here

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Great Loss...

My father Paul Castle Sr. passed away Jan. 23, 2010. He was 86yrs. old and a wonderful father. I was so proud of him for overcoming being only 4'6" tall. He was the world's smallest professional speed skating barrel jumper in the world. He was in The Sonja Henie Ice Revue at Rockefeller Center Theater in New York for 10yrs. He then went on to become "The Mighty Mite of Ice Capades." He also performed in Ice Cycles and with Holiday on Ice in Europe for almost 2yrs. Having a command performance for a King and Queen in one the countries. He retired from the ice shows after 25yrs., moved the family to Calif. to become an actor. He was in some movies and commercials. His greatest accomplishment was being selected by Walt Disney to be his main Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, Ca. and to tour with Walt. He retired from Disneyland, Ca. after 25yrs. in 1986. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award from Walt Disney Productions and put in the Disney Hall of Fame. It has been such a wonderful life having him as my dad and to see the joy he brought to thousands around the world. "I will miss him dearly."
Posted by Loving Daughter

14 comments:

  1. peg.February 5, 2010 at 4:51 PM

    So sorry to hear this news of your father's passing, Chris. I knew him beginning in 1967 when I joined the Disneyland Character program as Peter Pan. My brother before me was the Mickey sub on your dad's days off. Many times in recent years I'd wondered where Paul was and how to reach him. Really sorry to have just heard it today. Paul Castle was truly a one-of-a-kind.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2010 at 4:54 PM

    Sending you and your family many thoughts and wishes. I, too, worked with your Dad at Disneyland in the late 70's. He was a pioneer for all who frequent the many character costumes throughout parks around the world. My heart goes out to you.

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  3. Paul QuadeFebruary 5, 2010 at 7:14 PM

    I'm happy I got to know him. Great guy and I worked with him frequently from about 1974 to 1981. He was an interesting guy and one of my "one handshakes away from Walt." I wish The Company would have treated him better.

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  4. Tony SalvaggioFebruary 5, 2010 at 9:35 PM

    I worked with Paul Castle for many years in the Disneyland Character Dept. throughout the Character Department's golden years. Paul did not just survive the ever changing Disneyland Entertainment Division, he prevailed. He was the only Character Department Cast Member with the distinction of being hired by Walt Disney, himself. Paul's size and proportions made him perfect for Mickey Mouse, at least, Walt thought so. I was suprised when I came across a souvenir program from the Sonja Henie Ice Revue at Rockefeller Center. My Mom had seen the Revue and saved the program. There was Paul, caught in mid-air flying over 14 barrels. I brought the program to work to show him. Paul was very matter of fact about it. It was just one chapter in a theatrical lifetime. Paul had a great run. I am happy to have been a small part of it.

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  5. Mary Crouch-O'NeillFebruary 7, 2010 at 7:54 AM

    Worked with Paul at "the park" in the character department. Have a lot of fun memories. May your family be blessed with peace and you wonderful memories of fun and love.

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  6. Sonja Bauman NicholsonFebruary 7, 2010 at 3:08 PM

    Hi, Chris. I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, performed with your dad at Disneyland in the Character Department. I am so pleased to count myself among those who were fortunate enough to have worked alongside him. He always made me laugh and was proud to talk about his time when he skated professionally. I know many people feel the same way. I wish you peace of mind during this difficult time. ~ Sonja Bauman Nicholson

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  7. Robin GurienFebruary 7, 2010 at 10:11 PM

    I worked with Paul in the mid 80s. I thoroughly enjoyed his stories and his presence. He was a legend in the character deoartment and will always hold a special place in my heart. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

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  8. Joe OsunaFebruary 7, 2010 at 10:47 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I worked with hundreds of people in the Disneyland Character Department. Your dad was one of the few who was so memorable onstage and backstage, I don't even need a picture to remember him. Paul will always be in my memories. I can see him. I can hear him. I will miss him.

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  9. SuzanneFebruary 8, 2010 at 12:32 PM

    A man I met told me the most amazing story of how Walt's personal Mickey Mouse saved his life as a teenager. Passed out on a bench across from the Opera House on Main Street, he awoke to the sound of tapping. In front of him was Mickey, tapping his foot, both arms on hips. Mickey leaned over and said into his ear: "Stop now and everything will be alright." From that day forward this man never had another drink, and is alive today because of Paul Castle. God bless your family.

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  10. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    I worked as Peter Pan from 1970-1973 in Fantasy On Parade. YOU were MINNIE MOUSE!
    Your whole family is a wonderful part of the history of the Happiest Place on Earth..

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  11. AnonymousApril 21, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    thank you for this blog. Paul was my scout master, troop 75, in Garden Grove, CA, back in the early 70's. His son, Paul Jr., a speed skater, and i were friends and had many a great camp out(s) in soCal back then. He was quite the character when driving a number of us numerous miles to our our destination camp ground.
    Will never forget the time he took Paul Jr. and I backstage and introduced me to Debbie Reynolds who was performing there at the time. His service for BSA is well remembered, and cherished.

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  12. JannethManaluAugust 29, 2019 at 5:16 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. UnknownSeptember 3, 2019 at 10:06 PM

    Judy Kay Thorndyke Stanley (Disney Security
    Just found this blog. It is so wonderful to read about Paul. I worked at Disneyland Security 1965-66 for Tim Hahne. Your dad's break area was next to our office, behind the BofA. Your Dad just impressed me so much. Rarely had I met such a gentleman. My heart is so happy just thinking about him. His Mickey "HI EVERYBODY" and his WAVE just enthralled the crowd and all of us employees. Thank you so much for writing this blog. I am so grateful. If you know where Kay of Security is, let me know, please at jkthorndyke@yahoo.com. Hugs to the entire family!

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  14. AnonymousAugust 17, 2024 at 12:41 AM

    Hi Paula, this is Leighton Garner. We dated a couple of times. I went to your house and met your father and mother and we also went to Disneyland togther. This has to be over 55 years ago. I think I was in my early 20s and I am 79 now.

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