The animation industry has lost one of its most prolific figures, Burny Mattinson, who passed away at the age of 87, know his cause of death
The Walt Disney Company, Burny Mattinson’s longtime employer, confirmed his death on Monday, February 27, 2023. Mattinson was a Disney Legend, having worked as an animator, director, producer, and story artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios during a remarkable 70-year career.
Burny Mattinson was a key player in the animation industry, having been associated with Disney since 1953. He worked on some of Disney’s most iconic films, including “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961), “The Sword in the Stone” (1963), and “The Jungle Book” (1967).
Disney animator Burny Mattinson cause of death, obituary, age, family, wife, net worth in 2023
Burny Mattinson has sadly passed away at the age of 87
He was a legendary Disney animator, and was their longest serving employee. He was set to receive the first ever 70 year anniversary award in June. From Lady and the Tramp to Strange World.
He will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/JJSSgFuB8c
— TRAFON(s Backup Account) (@RiseFallNickBck) February 28, 2023
He also worked on the story teams for “Aladdin” (1992), “Beauty and the Beast” (1993), “The Lion King” (1994), “Pocahontas” (1995), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996), “Tarzan” (1997), and “Mulan” (1998). Mattinson was set to receive Disney’s first-ever ’70th-anniversary service award’ in June, a fitting tribute to his 70-year contribution to the company.
Chief Creative Officer pays tribute to Burny Mattinson
Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer Jennifer Lee paid tribute to Mattinson, saying, “Burny’s artistry, generosity, and love of Disney Animation and the generations of storytellers that have come through our doors, for seven decades, has made us better—better artists, better technologists, and better collaborators.” She also said that “All of us who have had the honor to know him and learn from him will ensure his legacy carries on.”
In celebration of Disney Legend Burny Mattinson's life, take a look at some of his iconic artwork from Walt Disney Animation Studios over his 70 years. Pictured here is a story beat from the development of 2011’s Winnie the Pooh. pic.twitter.com/tdxLnOfSzz
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) March 1, 2023
Details about Burny Mattinson’s death were not immediately available, except that he had been suffering from a short illness. His death was deeply mourned by Disney CEO Bob Iger. Who wrote on Twitter, “Burny started as a messenger on the lot in 1953 & went on to become a true icon of @DisneyAnimation. We are forever grateful for his contributions & seven decades of service.”
Who was animator Burny Mattinson?
Born in San Francisco in 1936, Mattinson grew up in a family of artists. His mother was a concert pianist, and his father was a painter and illustrator. Mattinson’s early exposure to art inspired him to pursue a career in animation.
Burny Mattinson joined Disney as a mailroom employee in 1955, just six months after graduating from high school. He began his career working on the 1955 film “Lady and the Tramp.” After serving as an assistant animator on several Disney films, he was promoted to directing and producing animated shorts.
Burny and his wife Sylvia Fry had three children and four grandchildren. His net worth stood at $5 million.
Mattinson’s leaves a big legacy behind
Burny Mattinson was a vital part of Disney’s history. He played a crucial role in the evolution of animation as an art form. He helped shape some of the most beloved animated films of all time. His work will continue to inspire future generations of animators.
His passing is a significant loss to the animation industry. And he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. But his legacy will live on in the films he helped create and the animators he inspired.
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