Willis Pyle, American animator, Died at 101

Willis Acton Pyle was born on September 3, 1914, and died on June 2, 2016.

He was an American animator.

He was known for his work with Walt Disney Animation Studios, including Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), and Bambi (1942), as well as UPA’s Mr. Magoo, where he co-created the iconic character, and the short film, Gerald McBoing-Boing (1950), which won an Academy Award for Animated Short Film in 1951.

Then, he later enjoyed a long career as a freelance animator on such projects as the animated film, Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventure (1977), Halloween Is Grinch Night (1977), and several Peanuts television specials.

His career as a freelance animator spanned several decades.

Willis’s credits included the 1977 animated film, Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventure, as well as several Charlie Brown animated specials.

(Willis Pyle and Peanuts animator Bill Melendez had originally worked together on Gerald McBoing-Boing).

He later donated his archives and papers to the Lilly Library at Indiana University Bloomington.

Pyle was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Morrison, whom he married in 1946.

Willis Pyle passed away at 101 years old.