Actor Kurt Russell learned all about the movie business first-hand from legendary animator and filmmaker Walt Disney after the entertainment mogul took the former child star under his wing.

Disney spotted Russell's potential to become a major Hollywood name when the Big Trouble in Little China star was in his teens, and signed him to a 10-year contract, catapulting the youngster to fame in the 1970s.

The actor reveals Disney reminded him of his grandfather and the visionary would often invite him to hang out with him on the studio lot, giving Russell a behind-the-scenes look that money couldn't buy.

He recalls, "We used to play ping pong... He would come down to the (movie) set and say, 'You're done with school, you're not due (on set) for a couple of hours, you wanna come watch a movie?' I'd go with my mum sometimes and watch movies that were in process, being made. I got to learn a lot about making movies from Walt Disney."

And Russell, now 62, admits he will always treasure the memories: "Disney (Studios) was the place where I grew up. It gave me an opportunity to work in a place for 10 years and during an age period where usually, as teenagers, it's difficult for actors... It was not just a place to work, it was Disney. I enjoyed it... The people were great... I have nothing to say except that I love Disney and the whole family."