Tom and Jerry, Popeye creator Gene Deitch dies at 95

Legendary American filmmaker and illustrator Gene Deitch, best known for creating and directing popular cartoon shows Tom And Jerry and Popeye is dead.

According to reports Gene Deitch died in his apartment in Prague’s Little Quarter on

Thursday night at the age of 95.

He directed 13 episodes of Tom And Jerry for MGM between 1961 to 1962 and

also directed a few episodes of Popeye for King Features between 1960 and 1963.

Deitch was also well known for creation of characters such as Sidney the

Elephantured Gaston Le Crayon, Tom Terrific and Clint Clobber.

His animated short Munrowon an Oscar award for the Best Animated Short Film

Oscar in 1961 and was also nominated for the same award twice in 1964 for Here’s

Nudnik and How to Avoid Friendship.

Born on August 8 ,1924 in Chicago, Deitch had initially trained as a pilot but later

became associated with studios such as United Productions of America (UPA) and

Terrytoons.

In 1958, Deitchstarted his own studio in New York called Gene Deitch Associates

which primarily produced TV commercials.

In 2004, he received the Winsor McCay Award for his lifelong contribution to animation.

Deitch is survived by his wife and by three

sons from his first marriage, all of whom

are cartoonists and illustrators.

Tributes from top entertainers in the entertainment world have begin to pour in

for the legendary animator who remain one of the best the industry has ever seen.

Gene Deitch’s talent will really be missed in the industry as has grown to become a prominent figure that everyone look up to.