[UPDATED] Walt Disney studio chief Dick Cook resigns

Updated with Iger statement.

Walt Disney Co. studio chief Dick Cook, whose studio has come under intense scrutiny for the quality of its films, held a staff meeting today to say that he was resigning.

He told staff that he felt he was a square peg in a round hole.

"I am stepping down from my role as chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, effective immediately. I have loved every minute of my 38 years that I have worked at Disney … from the beginning as a ride operator on Disneyland’s steam train and monorail to my position as chairman of the Walt Disney Studios. To wrap up my Disney experience in a neatly bundled statement is close to impossible," Cook said in a statement.  "But what I will say is, during my time at the Studio, we have achieved many industry and company milestones. Our talent roster is simply the best in the business. I believe our slate of upcoming motion pictures is the best in our history. But most of all, I love the people, my colleagues, my teammates, who are the most talented, dedicated and loyal folks in the world. I know that I leave the studio in their exceptional hands. I have been contemplating this for some time now and feel it’s the right time for me to move on to new adventures … and in the words of one of my baseball heroes, Yogi Berra, “If you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said, "Cook's outstanding creative instincts and incomparable showmanship have truly enriched this company and significantly impacted Disney's great legacy."

Iger was not nearly as magnanimous toward Cook on an earnings call earlier this year when he was  critical of the studio's slate and development.

Update (Saturday, 12:05 AM): For more, read the story in Saturday's Times.

-- Dawn C. Chmielewski

Comments

[Andy Engman Jr.]

I'm sorry to see Mr. Cook go. My dad worked at Disney Studios from 1937 to 1972. I've always felt it was the dedicated 'old-timers' who gave the heart and soul to the business of Disney. I hope Disney Co. is taking the right fork in the road

[David Peck]

As a former employee, Cook provided great leadership, expected excellence, and was tremendously loyal to the Disney organization and those he worked with. He surrounded himself with great people, who did great things. It's a sad day in the history of the Disney organization. He was always focused on long-term value, and the value of what each person did to benefit Team Disney. I am certain that he will be greatly missed.

[Brad Jones]

Perhaps it was Cook's decision to greenlight a movie entitled "The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made" that got him pushed out.

I could see it. If I were a Disney stockholder, I'd be applauding right now.

[tarheelchief]

Disney is having problems unrelated to the studio. Both the East Coast and West Coast parks remain under the cloud of the recession and a new attitude toward the $400 ticket which seems to be coming shortly.
Shockingly, many folks have abandoned the fidelity to the Disney name as it departed from the old family oriented films. It's another film company seeking to exploit the 12-17 year old male world marketplace. Eventually Disney will return to its roots and spin off some of the less wholesome efforts to other studios.For one thing these new movies cannot be made into expensive Halloween Costumes.And they cannot sell McDonald's or Burger King hamburgers.There's no fun pack for beheadings.

[Jeff Sherman]

As someone who worked with Mr. Cook, I will tell you that he is not only a consummate gentleman, a brilliant creative mind and someone who understands the legacy and magic of the Disney company. I am so sad to see him step down, he will be greatly missed -- but I guarantee you have not heard the last of this terrific man. I wish him continued great success and thank him for the spirit and true passion he brought to the studio and its many divisions.

[Susanna Garibay]

He will be missed!!!! Mr. Dick Cook is both a gentleman and a hard worker. I have never met anybody in my life like him! You will be missed Mr. Dick Cook! He will always be the only man in the Disney Family that has touched many peoples lives with his hard work and humble ways! I have had the honor and great pleasure of personally meeting him, thanks for been such a great man!

[Mas Asa]

Why is Iger getting rid of the Studio chief when all the studios are suffering from the same downturn due to DVD sales when he continues to allow the heads of the underperforming Disney organizations like the Internet group and International division to remain!!!