Richard Williams, the animator for the cult-classic film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has died at the age of 86. As reported by Comicbook (via DailyMail), his family says he passed away Friday at his home in Bristol. No cause has been released.
Williams career began in 1958 with the release of the short animated film titled The Little Island. However, he is most known for his work on the legendary movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit, starring Bob Hoskins, when it released in 1988. Not only is the movie praised for its animation style but it was considered far ahead of its time for the late 80s.
A few other of his most notable works include The Thief and the Cobbler, The Return of the Pink Panther, and The Pink Panther Strikes Again, where he was the lead animator for both films.
Richard Williams, the Oscar-winning animator behind 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit,' has died at the age of 86 https://t.co/xDYnXGCoel
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 17, 2019
His 61-year-long professional career saw him animate more than 14 films, shorts, and cartoons, according to IMDb. He also directed 13 shorts, with his final project, Greatest Chocolate Adverts of All Time, airing earlier this year. He was a man of many hats and other talents as well; serving as a producer, writer, actor, voice actor, and editor for several other shorts and films.
Williams was born on March 19, 1933, in Toronto, Canada. It’s his work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit that earned him two Oscars and one Bafta award. The awards were for best effects and best visual effects. His contribution to the world of art and creativity led to the character design of both Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit. He also voiced the character Droopy in the movie.
He also took home an Oscar for Best Short Subject Animated Film for his work on the 1971 take on A Christmas Carol.
His final animated short, named Prologue, released in 2015. It centers around the battle between Spartan and Athenian warriors. It was nominated for best British short animation.
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