Bill Littlejohn Passes Away

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgLegendary animator and co-founder of ASIFA-Hollywood, Bill Littlejohn, passed away. He was 96 years old.

He is best known for his work on many of the PEANUTS specials and the shorts of John and Faith Hubley. With the Hubleys, he animated on the Oscar winner THE HOLE, as well as the Oscar nominated A DOONESBURY SPECIAL. His other animation work with the Hubleys included: AMAZONIA; ENTER LIFE; EVERYBODY RIDES THE CAROUSEL; THE HAT; OF STARS AND MEN; PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE; SKY DANCE; VOYAGE TO NEXT; and ZUCKERKANDL.

In the realm of feature animation, he served as an animator on THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH (1970), WATERSHIP DOWN (1978) and HEAVY METAL (1981).

Born in Newark, New Jersey, he began is animation career at Van Beuren Studio as a cel washer in the 1930s. His aunt was working there in the camera department. He worked his way up the ranks to animator.

After that he earned a degree in aeronautical engineering, but soon left the profession to return to animation. During World War II, he served as a test pilot in the Army.

He was a tireless advocate for the animation community. In addition to ASIFA-Hollywood, he was a founder of the International Tournée of Animation. He served as president of Screen Cartoonists Guild and board member of Academy’s Board of Governors.

His family requests that donations be made to ASIFA-Hollywood in his memory.