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

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.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ashif Mohammed (@mohammed_turq) on

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.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cao Hồng Ly (@cao.lyy) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shahrukh Ali #artist (@sharukh_sir) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Abhijeet Shivankar (@illustrator_ars) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tomo Wijaya (@tomowjy) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Afif Permana Aztamurri (@afifpermana) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bojan Matejin (@matey.out) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by *L’AURA* Animation Studios (@lauranimation) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Art Gallery – Created for You (@arts2lifee) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by uttiya (@uttiyartz) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Parle-G (@officialparleg) on

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

Related Articles:

RIP Stan Lee: Fans Share Heartfelt Tributes to the Late Comic Book Legend

5 Pioneers of Early Animation Who Influenced the Future of Film

RIP Qinni: Fans Pay Tribute to the Artist Who Inspired Them to “Paint the Stars”

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content