Richard Gerth, a fixture at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for nearly 30 years, recently passed-away at age 92.
Grand Floridian greeter Richard Gerth (image copyright The Walt Disney Company)
On June 7, 2018, Grand Floridian Cast Member Richard Gerth passed-away following a bout with pneumonia and brief stay in hospice care. Gerth was often the first face guests would see upon arrival, serving as the resort's greeter dating back to 1991.
Walt Disney World president George A. Kalogridis issued a statement to the Orlando Sentinel, stating "(w)ith his trademark smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a tip of his straw boater hat to everyone he met, Richard Gerth was an indelible part of millions of Walt Disney World memories, and we will all miss him greatly.”
Gerth was featured in a 2014 issue of Disney Files Magazine, recounting how he was sent to Disney Casting by a resort staff member and hired without even filling out a job application. When asked about his secret for spreading happiness, Gerth replied: "It starts with being happy yourself. It's not about people being happy because of me; I like people to be happy with me."
Portions of the Disney Files Magazine interview are recapped in a Facebook video posted by Disney Vacation Club.
