he joined the Walt Disney Studios in 1936. In 1937, he was assigned to "Snow White," his first feature-length film, the first animated feature-length film. In 1941, he was selected as the animator's representative during a strike at the studios. Walt Disney was so impressed with his civility and good humor, he promoted Peterson quickly to head of the Art Department. He was the production supervisor on such films as "Alice in Wonderland," "Lady and the Tramp," "101 Dalmatians" and "Sleeping Beauty." He also played an important role in the development of Disneyland. He oversaw original merchandising and established the Art Corner and Merlin's Magic Shop. Peterson also produced live-action documentaries, television shows, short-subject films and later became a governor of the Academy Awards Assn. He was born in San Francisco and grew up in Hawaii. He graduated from the University of Washington. -http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2000-04-04/news/export49409_1_animator-dalmatians-snow-white