"While it was occasionally done here or there, nobody else had a figurehead like Walt doing it. Jack Warner wasn't on TV. Walt was the boss, but he had a real public profile and he used it to his advantage. And he became a household face"

Leonard Maltin, a widely respected film historian and critic, supplies an insightful commentary on the distinct role that Walt Disney played in the entertainment industry, especially during the mid-20th century. The quote highlights Disney's pioneering technique to personal branding and public engagement, which was mostly unmatched at the time.

Maltin starts by acknowledging that although other industry figures sometimes engaged the public, none had done so as successfully as Walt Disney. The recommendation to "periodically done here or there" suggests that while some studio executives might have made erratic public appearances, they did not do so with the consistency or tactical intent that Disney showed. By mentioning that "Jack Warner wasn't on Television", Maltin draws a contrast between Disney and another popular studio head of the era, highlighting that it was not the norm for studio executives to take on a public persona in the very same way Disney did.

"Walt was the boss, but he had a genuine public profile" highlights Disney's double function: he was both the reliable leader of his company and a recognizable character to the general public. This dual identity was important in establishing Disney not just as a brand however also as a cultural icon. By stepping into the spotlight, Disney leveraged his exposure to promote a loyal audience and build trust in his brand. He utilized television, a burgeoning medium at the time, as a platform to connect with audiences, making both himself and his characters family names.

Lastly, Maltin keeps in mind that Disney "ended up being a household face", suggesting that his image was as familiar to the public as his company's products. This indicates Disney's successful change into a token embodying the magic and imagination of his business. Disney's public presence assisted humanize his brand, distinguishing it in a competitive market and developing a long lasting tradition that withstands today. Maltin's observation highlights the effect of Disney's strategic use of media, which contributed in forming the public perception of both himself and his company.