25 Artists Pay Tribute to the Late Gene Deitch, the Great Illustrator of Tom & Jerry and Popeye

Artists Pay Tribute :While many people grew up watching Popeye and Tom & Jerry, or had their children watch it all the time, only a few knew the genius behind it. Eugene Merril Deitch, better known as Gene Deitch, was an illustrator, animator, comics artist, and film director from the United States. He was also responsible for the animated series Munro, Tom Terrific, and Nudnik.

Artists Pay Tribute to the Late Gene Deitch

Deitch spent the majority of his life in Prague, where he moved in 1959 after Rembrandt Films promised to fund Munro. He had lived there his entire life and died unexpectedly on April 16, 2020, at the age of 95. Since learning of his death, artists from all over the world have flooded the Internet with heartfelt artwork.

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While you may not recognise Gene Deitch’s name, you are undoubtedly familiar with his work. It’s probably safe to say that few people haven’t heard of Tom & Jerry or Popeye, and Deitch was a key designer for both of them.

Deitch worked as a draughtsman for North American Aviation before being recruited by the American army to become a pilot during World War II. After the war, he returned to drawing and was noticed by Walt Disney, who asked him to become the artistic director of United Productions of America.

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Despite his success in the United States, he made the brave decision to relocate to Prague, Czech Republic, after Rembrandt Films promised to fund his short film Munro. In 1959, he moved to the company’s headquarters in Prague.

Gee Deitch won an Oscar for best animated short in 1960, proving that the move was well worth it. Following this success, he was given the opportunity to direct 13 episodes of Tom and Jerry, which were widely panned by fans at the time. It did, however, lead to Tom and Jerry becoming the most profitable series at the time.

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Despite his success in the United States, he made the brave decision to relocate to Prague, Czech Republic, after Rembrandt Films promised to fund his short film Munro. In 1959, he moved to the company’s headquarters in Prague.

Gee Deitch won an Oscar for best animated short in 1960, proving that the move was well worth it. Following this success, he was given the opportunity to direct 13 episodes of Tom and Jerry, which were widely panned by fans at the time. It did, however, lead to Tom and Jerry becoming the most profitable series at the time.

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Eugene Merril Deitch, better known as Gene Deitch, was a pioneering figure in the world of animation and illustration. Born in Chicago in 1924, he began his career as an illustrator and comics artist, working for various publications in the United States. However, it was his work in animation that would ultimately bring him to international fame.

In the 1950s, Deitch was approached by Rembrandt Films, a Czech animation studio, to create an animated series based on the character Munro, a short story by Jules Feiffer. Deitch accepted the offer and moved to Prague in 1959, where he would spend the rest of his life. It was in Prague that Deitch truly found his footing as an animator and filmmaker. He created a number of successful animated series, including Tom Terrific and Nudnik, which were widely popular in the United States and Europe.

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Deitch’s animation style was unique and distinctive, characterized by its use of bold, simplified lines and bright, vibrant colors. His characters were often quirky and offbeat, and he was not afraid to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in animation at the time. He was also known for his ability to create compelling stories and characters that resonated with audiences of all ages.

Deitch’s work was widely respected by his peers in the animation industry, and he was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2012, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored him with a retrospective of his work at the Academy’s headquarters in Beverly Hills.

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Despite his success, Deitch remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to work on new projects until his death in 2020 at the age of 95. The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief from artists, animators, and fans around the world, who took to social media to share their favorite memories and tributes to the legendary animator.

Deitch’s legacy continues to live on through his work, which continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. His unique vision and approach to animation have inspired countless artists and animators, and his contributions to the industry will be remembered for generations to come.

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In conclusion Gene Deitch was an animator, illustrator, comics artist, and film director from the United States. He was responsible for the animated series Munro, Tom Terrific, and Nudnik. Despite living in Prague for most of his life, his work had a huge impact on the American animation industry, and his unique style and approach to animation continue to inspire artists and animators today. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 95, but his legacy will live on through his work. Keep Visiting Here.