It's mournful that Disney Animator, Burny Mattinson has died at 87 Canoga Park, California, who is the longest-serving employee, in the company’s history and was set to receive its first-ever 70th-anniversary service award this June.
Who Was Burny Mattinson?
Burny Mattinson is a renowned American animator and story artist who has worked for Disney Animation for over 60 years. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential animators in the industry, and his contributions to some of the most beloved Disney films of all time have earned him numerous accolades and awards. In this article, we will explore Burny Mattinson's career and legacy in the world of animation.
Mattinson was born on October 12, 1935, in San Francisco, California. He graduated from the Chouinard Art Institute (now known as the California Institute of the Arts) in 1957 and began working for Disney Animation shortly thereafter. His first job at Disney was as an assistant animator on the 1959 film “Sleeping Beauty,” which was known for its stunning visuals and intricate animation.
“The biggest thing is having fun,” Mattinson once said. “I’ve always found that through all those pictures I’ve worked on if you’re having fun working on it, it will come across.”
Over the course of his career, Mattinson worked on numerous Disney films and projects. He was a key animator on the classic films “101 Dalmatians,” “The Sword in the Stone,” and “The Jungle Book,” among others. He also served as a story artist on films such as “Robin Hood,” “The Rescuers,” “The Great Mouse Detective,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
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In addition to his work as an animator and story artist, Mattinson has also served in various other roles at Disney Animation. He was the head of the story on the 1985 film “The Black Cauldron,” and he directed the 1987 television special “DuckTales: Treasure of the Lost Lamp.” He also served as the senior story artist on the 2016 hit film “Zootopia.”
Throughout his career, Mattinson's work has been praised for its attention to detail, its sense of humor, and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages. He has won numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of animation, including the Winsor McCay Award from the International Animated Film Society and the Disney Legend Award from the Walt Disney Company.
Beyond his accomplishments in animation, Mattinson is also known for his generosity and his willingness to mentor young animators. He has served as a mentor to many aspiring animators over the years, and his dedication to the craft has inspired countless artists and creators.
“I was six years old and I decided I was gonna work at Disney,” Mattinson said in a video celebrating 65 years at the company. “It was the quality of what they did. I say that from Pinocchio… these are drawings that are coming to life. If you want in-depth characters, it had to be Disney. That’s why I wanted to be there.”
Who is Mattinson's Wife?
Mattinson married Sylvia Fry, who also worked as an in-betweener on Sleeping Beauty (1959). They have three children and four grandchildren.
Last Lines
Burny Mattinson's contributions to the world of animation are immeasurable. His stunning animation work and storytelling have entertained audiences for generations, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of animators and creators. Mattinson's talent, dedication, and generosity have made him a beloved figure in the animation community, and his impact on the industry will be felt for many years to come.
