Why Are Moms Almost Always Dead in Disney Movies?

The real story involves Walt Disney’s own mom and it’s heartbreaking.

I’m not sure I would have even picked up on it had a friend not pointed it out, but have you ever noticed that moms are largely absent from Disney films? At first, I figured this was a coincidence. Perhaps even a necessary plot device used to shove characters into dangerous situations where they are forced to change or grow. Having a mom around might hinder that kind of adventure, after all. But it got me wondering, was there a…