‘Peanuts’ animator Bill Melendez dies at 91
September 4th, 2008
Animator Bill Melendez, who gave life to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other “Peanuts” characters in scores of movies and TV specials, has died. He was 91.
Melendez’s nearly seven decades as a professional animator began in 1938 when he was hired by Walt Disney Studios and worked on Mickey Mouse cartoons and classic animated features such as “Pinocchio” and “Fantasia.
Melendez was born in 1916 in Hermosillo in the Mexican statdof Sonora. He moved with his family to Arizona in 1928 and then to Los Angeles in the 1930s, attending the Chouinard Art Institute.
Our deepest condoleances to the family and people who knew him best. Thank you Mr. Melendez for a lifetime of magical memories and inspiration.
Stumble it!
September 15th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I have to say, the Peanuts TV show was a huge inspiration to me, and probably lots of other comics creators. I remember seeing the credits and thinking ‘Melendez … that guy’s Latino!’ He was a giant in the comics business.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I am deeply saddened by this loss, Peanuts was a main cartoon when i was a child…and has continued to entertain many over the years.
my sympathies go out to his family. =’(
October 29th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Hey Alex, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Mr. Melendez will be sorely missed by many. Truly marks the end of an era.