The last of the Nine Old Men, the team of original Disney animators, died at the age of 95 today. Ollie Johnston died of natural causes while in a long term care facility. Beginning in 1946, Johnston worked as a directing animator in almost every film until retiring in 1978. He drew characters for Mickey Mouse short films as well as contributing to classics such as "Snow White," and "The Seven Dwarfs." His accomplishments include being the only animator being awarded a National Medal of the Arts in 2005 and having a documentary profiling he and fellow Disney animator Frank Thomas in 1995. He was also considered a mentor at Disney. Disney Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter said, "He taught me to always be aware of what a character is thinking, and we continue to make sure that every character we create at Pixar and Disney has a thought process and emotion that makes them come alive."
Seeing how much Disney has influenced television and movies, I am surprised that there was not more publicity about the last member of the team dying. I would have like to at least seen a brief television news report done. Even on the Disney Channel, I believe that there could have been some sort of report done in a way that young children would understand, to help them appreciate those who paved the way for the creators of shows and movies that they enjoy today. Maybe the Disney World and Disney Land locations will have some sort of themed celebration or ceremony.
Do you believe that te media could have covered Ollie Johnston's death in a better way or do you believe it was sufficient? What do you think could have been done to improve if you think it could have been better?
2 comments:
I have to agree that I am shocked they did not publicize it more. I believe that they way the media covered his death was sufficient. I also think that they should have done some kind of tribute to him. Like you said, they could have even done something on the Disney channel as well. I mean when Ann Nicole passed, she was on the news for months and still is sometimes. I am also shocked that they atleast did not put a small piece on Inside Edition.
I feel the media could have done better in covering his death. Especially for someone of his caliber it is just a shame that Paris Hilton gets front stage and he's left back in the obituaries.
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