Tuesday, April 15, 2008

The Last of the Nine!


A legend of animation has passed away yesterday. Ollie Johnston, the last of Disney's famous "Nine Old Men", died yesterday at the age of 95. Many Disney sites, along with many animation sites have postings about this sad news. Ollie, along with his friend Frank Thomas, created some of the most memorable animated characters and scenes in history. Many people may not know these men, but most definitely they would know there work on such classics as Snow White and the Seven Dawarfs and Jungle Book.

As an aspiring animator, I had hopes to get to meet Frank and Ollie, but that was not to be. Even though that dream didn't happen, I have been inspired and encouraged by there work and books. Just like many young kids interested in animation, Ollie and Frank's book "The Illusion of Life" was a staple of weekend reading for me as a child...and as an adult!

My thoughts and condolences go out to the Johnson family and friends. The animation community has lost a TRUE LEGEND!

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