Imagineers leave traces of their artistry in everything they create. But one Imagineer left a special legacy behind: she shaped one of the most famous attraction characters ever to come out of the Disney parks…a character that was named after her. Let’s meet Leota Toombs Thomas.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Thomas started her career at Disney astonishingly young – 15! Her first job was in the Ink & Paint department, taking on the only animation job available to women at the time, transferring and tracing animator drawings to transparent celluloid. She eventually made her way into the Animation department, where she met her first husband Harvey Toombs. After a brief hiatus to raise her two kids, Thomas joined the ranks of Imagineering in 1962.
Source: D23
In Imagineering, Thomas took on an unexpected role. Her daughter, Imagineer Kim Irvine, described how Thomas became the face of Madam Leota, the famous crystal ball within the Haunted Mansion.
When Yale Gracey was experimenting with ideas for a gypsy in a crystal ball, he asked Leota if she would mind posing for the head…they were a close-knit group, and Mom said she thought it sounded fun. Blaine [Gibson] made a life mask of her face, and Yale, Wathel [Rogers] and the rest of the team filmed her, crazy makeup and all. I still remember when she wore it home that night! Then they created the “Little Leota” bride at the end of the ride. Since that figure is so small, they wanted a high voice, so they kept mom’s voice because she sounded like a little girl.
Source: Celebrations Press
Thomas’ work was by no means limited to the mansion. She helped shape many attractions across the park, including:
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Enchanted Tiki Room
- Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s A Small World
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Skyway
Source: Theme Park Tourist
In the early 70s, Thomas moved to Orlando as part of the early Imagineering team for Walt Disney World, before returning to California to train artisans and figure-finishers in the department in 1979. She was posthumously named a Disney Legend in 2009, and her daughter Kim Irvine credits her mom for her own Imagineering journey.
She was a wonderful teacher and friend. Anyone who knew her loved her, and many Imagineers owe some of their success to her for passing on the tribal knowledge that is so important to our product.
Thomas sadly does not have a window on Main Street, but I’d argue seeing her face in an attraction is even better. Though she doesn’t voice Madame Leota, she still serves as a central figure in the mansion. Next time you ride, don’t forget to take a closer look – you’re seeing an incredible Imagineer…in a sort of immortal and timeless form.
Source: Tours Departing Daily