Renowned American illustrator Gene Deitch has died at the age of 95.
Gene Deitch is the brain behind some of the best animations of of the 19th century, including the famous Tom and Jerry cartoon show.
His death was made known by his Czech publisher, Petr Himmel who confirmed that the Academy award-winning director died unexpectedly in his apartment, according to the Daily Mail.
Born in August 8, 1924, in Chicago, Deitch is survived by his estranged wife and three sons who are all animators.
Gene, who’s full name was Eugene Merrill Deitch, directed 13 episodes of beloved children’s cartoon, Tom and Jerry which first featured on American production company MGM in 1961.
His movie ‘Munro’ won an Oscar Academy
Award in 1960 for Best Animated Short Film. He is also known for the series ‘Popeye the Sailor’.
Since his death, fans have taken to Twitter to share condolences and express how much his comedy and animatic work meant to them.
Check out their reaction below:
https://twitter.com/sajid_casm/status/1251930977363951616
In case u don't know him
He is director of tom and jerry and Popeye the sailor
RIP sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4BksV1XvrL— Dushyant Pathak (@dushyantpathak_) April 19, 2020
Per director Tim Story, the animation for the Tom and Jerry 2020 hybrid movie will be "Stylized animation with CG characters having hand-drawn elements to give the animation a hand-drawn look."
This is promising news. Hope it keeps the same tone as the boards! pic.twitter.com/YJxCAv6kN9
— TRAFON (@RiseFallNick) April 16, 2020
Tom and Jerry director Gene Deitch has sadly passed away aged 95. pic.twitter.com/ySuwN1Za2j
— Nikita Parshukov (@N_Parshukov) April 19, 2020
Tom and Jerry director Gene Deitch has sadly passed away aged 95.
What a lost..
Rest in Peace ❤ pic.twitter.com/8yJMWKvhv5— Soraia Adelino (@xiaia) April 19, 2020
Tom and Jerry director, and award-winning animator, Gene Deitch dies at 95. Working from behind the Iron Curtain, he directed 13 episodes of “Tom and Jerry” and also some of the “Popeye the Sailor” series. #RIP pic.twitter.com/t9UOHAcHUd
— Devaka Perera (@devakaperera) April 19, 2020
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
