Gene Deitch the creator of Tom & Jerry and Popeye dies at 95

Gene Deitch died on last Thursday night at his apartment in Prague, at the age of 95. This incredible illustrator, animator, filmmaker and producer gave us jewels like Tom & Jerry and Popeye that have entertained kids throughout generations. For those who have not heard about him before, here is a short bio.

The legendary, Oscar-winning illustrator, animator and film director, Gene Deitch passed away on last Thursday, April 16^th at the age of 95. The news was confirmed by the late illustrator’s publisher, Petr Himmel who reported that Gene Deitch died “unexpectedly” in his apartment in Prague.

If you haven’t heard of this great artist before, he played a major role in constructing the some of the most essential cartoons from your childhood. He played a key role in reviving Tom & Jerry series in 1961 by directing 13 episodes for the show, while also directing a episodes for Popeye the Sailor for a TV syndicate.

Born in 1924 in Chicago, Deitch’s first interaction with illustrations came when he worked at North American Aviation where he drew intricate aircraft blueprints.

Growing fond towards this medium he started his animation career in 1955 by taking up an apprenticeship at the United Productions of America where he eventually rose to become the creative director of the Terrytoons.

In a career spanning 6 decades, Deitch also worked on various animation film projects. In 1960 he directed ‘Munro’ a comedy film which won him the coveted Soscar for the Best Animated Short Film.  Along with that, his Here’s Nudnik and How to Avoid Friendship also earned a nomination for the same award in 1964.

Deitch also wrote a memoir of his thirty years of experience living in the communist governed Czechoslovakia, titled ‘For the Love of Prague’. The book is a part love story, part fragments of national lunacy and part terror from the perspective of the only free American in the city.

While his countless animated productions have entertained generations and will keep enriching the future ones, we shall for ever remember this great soul. A lot of Hindi Film actors expressed their love for his work by posting gratitude messages on social media.

Gene is survived by his wife and three sons from his first marriage, who are all writers and artists for alternative comics.