Joe Grant, 96, Disney artist, co-wrote 'Dumbo' 96, Disney artist, co-wrote 'Dumbo'
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 11, 2005
GLENDALE, Calif. - Artist and writer Joe Grant, who created such Disney characters as the queen-witch character in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and co-wrote "Dumbo," died of a heart attack Friday. He was 96.
Grant died while working at the drawing board in his Glendale home's studio, according to a statement released by Walt Disney Co.
Grant's time at Disney spanned more than six decades, starting with his work on early movies like "Snow White" and culminating with later films like "Pocahontas." He was named an official Disney legend at a ceremony in 1992.
Disney hired Grant in 1933 to work on the animated short "Mickey's Gala Premiere." He was later tapped to design the queen-witch character in "Snow White" and was made head of a department that served as a think tank for future animated projects, including "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia." Grant also co-wrote "Dumbo" and conceived "Lady and the Tramp" with his wife.
He left the company in 1949 to start his own businesses, but returned to Disney 40 years later to work on "Aladdin," "The Lion King," "Pocahontas" and "Mulan." More than 70 of Grant's caricatures are included in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution and he received a Ruben Award from the National Cartoonists Society in 1996.
Grant is survived by two daughters. His wife of 70 years, Jennie, died in 1991.
Its a sad Day for Disney God Bless Joe Grant.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 11, 2005
GLENDALE, Calif. - Artist and writer Joe Grant, who created such Disney characters as the queen-witch character in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and co-wrote "Dumbo," died of a heart attack Friday. He was 96.
Grant died while working at the drawing board in his Glendale home's studio, according to a statement released by Walt Disney Co.
Grant's time at Disney spanned more than six decades, starting with his work on early movies like "Snow White" and culminating with later films like "Pocahontas." He was named an official Disney legend at a ceremony in 1992.
Disney hired Grant in 1933 to work on the animated short "Mickey's Gala Premiere." He was later tapped to design the queen-witch character in "Snow White" and was made head of a department that served as a think tank for future animated projects, including "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia." Grant also co-wrote "Dumbo" and conceived "Lady and the Tramp" with his wife.
He left the company in 1949 to start his own businesses, but returned to Disney 40 years later to work on "Aladdin," "The Lion King," "Pocahontas" and "Mulan." More than 70 of Grant's caricatures are included in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution and he received a Ruben Award from the National Cartoonists Society in 1996.
Grant is survived by two daughters. His wife of 70 years, Jennie, died in 1991.
Its a sad Day for Disney God Bless Joe Grant.