The Last of the Great Old Disney Animators Passes On: Ollie Johnston

You may never have heard Ollie Johnston's name, but I know you've seen his work. Johnston, the last of the "Nine Old Men" who created the legendary animation of Disney's greatest films, has died at age 95.

He was the last of the nine (named affectionately after the nine brethren of the Supreme Court) to retire from Disney, where he worked from 1935 to 1978. He created thousands of adorable Disney creatures and characters that have delighted children around the planet ever since.

His touch is seen in the great masterpieces of the early Disney years, long before computer animation was possible, and every cel was lovingly hand. Bambi. Sleeping Beauty. Snow White. Pinnochio. Fantasia. Peter Pan. Cinderella. Johnston and his fellow Disney magicians made great art that made you forgot your were watching pictures flip by on a screen, and see the characters as real, warm, vital. No matter what you think of the uber-cute, sentimental Disney touch, the artistry is undeniable.

Brad Bird, writer-director of such modern animation hits as Ratatouille and The Incredibles, revered the elder animator and offered him voice roles in his movies. Not long before he retired, Johnston drew himself as a msutachioed old cat, Rufus, in The Rsecuers.

According to the U.K.'s Independent, Bird took Johnston's chair at Disney, and saved the last of his pencil shavings as a last jar of Disney's magic dust. A nice tribute indeed.

Johnston in 2003 by Frazer Harrison, Getty Images