RIP Gene Deitch: Fans Pay Tribute to the Oscar-Winning Animator of Tom & Jerry Cartoons

Photo: Gene Deitch

Prolific animator Gene Deitch, known for his work on the cartoons Popeye as well as Tom and Jerry, passed away on April 16, 2020, at the age of 95. During his six-decade career—one that started in the U.S. and ended in Prague—he had the opportunity to work not only on those shows but on numerous projects including an animated version of Maurice Sendak’s beloved Where the Wild Things Are.

Deitch’s passion for illustration was evident from an early age. As a child, he created “little kid newspapers” and made comic strips. While growing up in Los Angeles, he discovered his love of drawing, writing, and “technical gadgetry” that would prepare him for his eventual career.

After a stint in the army during World War II, Deitch got a job at CBS as a member of the art staff in the sales promotion department. He eventually left the company and his animation career began in earnest. Deitch worked for United Productions of America (UPA) creating safety films for the military and early Mr. Magoo cartoons. He would go on to have a lot of varied projects, including the creation of Tom Terrific—an animation that appeared on the children’s show Captain Kangaroo—as well as directing the Oscar-winning short film Munro in 1960. As a tribute to all his contributions to animation, Deitch received the Winsor McCay Award in 2004 before retiring in 2008.

Fans are mourning the loss of Deitch by creating touching illustrations of their own. Scroll down to see their heartfelt tribute art.

Prolific animator Gene Deitch died on April 16, 2020, at the age of 95.

 

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A post shared by Ashif Mohammed (@mohammed_turq) on Apr 21, 2020 at 6:29am PDT

Known for his work on the cartoons Tom and Jerry as well as Popeye, Deitch had a varied career—including directing the Oscar-winning short film Munro in 1960.

Fans have paid tribute to his legacy through their art.

 

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A post shared by Cao Hồng Ly (@cao.lyy) on Apr 21, 2020 at 5:44am PDT

 

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A post shared by Shahrukh Ali #artist (@sharukh_sir) on Apr 21, 2020 at 5:36am PDT

 

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A post shared by Abhijeet Shivankar (@illustrator_ars) on Apr 22, 2020 at 11:45pm PDT

 

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A post shared by Tomo Wijaya (@tomowjy) on Apr 22, 2020 at 12:02am PDT

 

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A post shared by Afif Permana Aztamurri (@afifpermana) on Apr 21, 2020 at 4:52pm PDT

 

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A post shared by Bojan Matejin (@matey.out) on Apr 21, 2020 at 5:11am PDT

 

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A post shared by *L’AURA* Animation Studios (@lauranimation) on Apr 22, 2020 at 2:12pm PDT

 

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A post shared by Art Gallery – Created for You (@arts2lifee) on Apr 23, 2020 at 11:50pm PDT

 

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A post shared by uttiya (@uttiyartz) on Apr 21, 2020 at 10:50am PDT

 

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A post shared by Parle-G (@officialparleg) on Apr 21, 2020 at 7:08am PDT

Gene Deitch: Website
h/t: [Bored Panda]

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