People are Creating Tribute Fan Art for Animator Gene Deitch

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Prolific animator Gene Deitch, known for his work on the cartoons Popeye as well as Tom and Jerry, passed away on April 16, 2020, at the age of 95. During his six-decade career—one that started in the U.S. and ended in Prague—he had the opportunity to work not only on those shows but on numerous projects including an animated version of Maurice Sendak’s beloved Where the Wild Things Are.

Deitch’s passion for illustration was evident from an early age. As a child, he created “little kid newspapers” and made comic strips. While growing up in Los Angeles, he discovered his love of drawing, writing, and “technical gadgetry” that would prepare him for his eventual career.

After a stint in the army during World War II, Deitch got a job at CBS as a member of the art staff in the sales promotion department. He eventually left the company and his animation career began in earnest. Deitch worked for United Productions of America (UPA) creating safety films for the military and early Mr. Magoo cartoons. He would go on to have a lot of varied projects, including the creation of Tom Terrific—an animation that appeared on the children’s show Captain Kangaroo—as well as directing the Oscar-winning short film Munro in 1960. As a tribute to all his contributions to animation, Deitch received the Winsor McCay Award in 2004 before retiring in 2008.

Fans are mourning the loss of Deitch by creating touching illustrations of their own. Scroll down to see their heartfelt tribute art.