Joe Rohde's Mom Knew Brando & Rickles

Joe Rohde, a renowned Disney Imagineer and 2024 Disney Legend, recently discussed his mother's Hollywood past. Rohde shared that his mother, Juliet Ornellas, was an actress and contemporary of figures like Marlon Brando and Don Rickles. She graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1948, maintaining connections with several industry professionals.

Rohde recounted his mother's claims that Don Rickles had a crush on her, humorously recalling his playful interactions. Though she pursued motherhood and later became a teacher, Ornellas's connection to the entertainment world profoundly influenced Rohde. He spent his childhood exploring film sets, fostering his early interest in creative design.