Animator, Richard Williams has passed away at the age of 86. The multi talented artist is celebrated for his work on the 1988 film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Richard Williams | Via Getty Images
- BBC News is reporting that animator Richard Williams has passed away at the age of 86.
- According to reports Williams had been suffering from cancer and died in his home in Bristol, UK on Friday.
- Williams is best known to Disney fans for his work on Touchstone’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Throughout the production of the film, he supervised the animation sequences and helped to create the animated versions of Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit.
- He also provided the voice for Droopy in the live-action/animated hybrid.
- Williams was honored with a Special Achievement Award at the 1989 Oscars for his work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
- Some of his other film credits include two Pink Panther films and Casino Royale.
- BBC notes that in addition to animating Williams also authored a book, The Animator's Survival Kit.
- Williams was writing and animating up until his death. He is survived by his six children.
What they’re saying:
- Richard’s daughter, Natasha Sutton Williams: "He really was an inspiration to everyone that met him. Whether they were animators, or from the top to the bottom of society. An incredibly generous, warm-spirited person who really wanted to learn about the world."
- Williams in an interview with the BBC in 2008: "I always wanted, when I was a kid, to get to Disney. I was a clever little fellow so I took my drawings and I eventually got in. They did a story on me, and I was in there for two days, which you can imagine what it was like for a kid."
- Williams also told the BBC that as a child, Disney’s animated classic, Snow White had a “tremendous impression” on him.
30 years of Roger Rabbit:
- In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the film, last summer El Capitan Theatre hosted a special throwback event and invited the films animators to speak on their experiences. While Williams wasn’t in attendance, the panel did discuss working with him on bringing the animated characters to life.