Second-generation animation vet Nicolette "Nicki" Bonnell, who worked at Hanna-Barbera, Bakshi and Disney from 1966 to 2002, died Nov. 1, 2006, reports BigCartoonDatabase.com. She was 58.
Born on July 4, 1948 in Los Angeles, Bonnell was a cel painter, Xerox checker and animation checker. Her feature credits included TREASURE PLANET (2002), HOME ON THE RANGE (2004), ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE (2001), FANTASIA 2000 (2000), THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE (2000), TARZAN (1999), HERCULES (1997), THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1996) and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991).
In September 1989, she married Dennis Bonnell, an assistant computer supervisor for Hanna-Barbera's SMURFS and THE JETSONS.
She also served as visual effects producer on THE MATRIX sequels.
She followed her father Alex Lovy, a director and story director for Walter Lantz, Warner Bros. and H-B, into the industry.
Upon her retirement, Bonnell moved to Myrtle Creek, Oregon.
She is survived by her husband, as well as children Deanna Kosma, Jason, Christopher and Katrina; grandchildren Alexander, Nickolas, Maximus, Zachary, Marcus, Chase and Ashley; sister Tina McConnell; and mother Vivianne Jacoby.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Foundation for a Smoke Free America at anti-smoking.org/donate.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
