“Peanuts” Animator Bill Melendez Dies (Photos)
Posted on September 3, 2008
Bill Melendez, “Peanuts” animator and also the voice of “Snoopy” and “Woodstock” dies at age 91.
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Bill Melendez’s career spanned close to seven decades. Melendez is best known for bringing the “Peanuts” comic strip of Lucy, Linus, and Charlie Brown, to television and movies.
Bill Melendez, was known for his trademark handlebar mustache, also provided the voices for Snoopy and Woodstock.
Jose Cuautemoc “Bill” Melendez was an animator, director, and producer for television and movies for the Charles Schulz’s “Peanut” characters, which earned him four Emmy Awards, and Oscar nom, and two Peabody awards.
Bill Melendez died Tuesday at St. John’s hospital in Santa Monica, according to publicist Amy Goldsmith. He was 91.
Bill Melendez worked with Walt Disney, Leon Schlesinger Cartoons, UPA and Playhouse Pictures. In 1964, he started Bill Melendez Productions, where he created his best-known pieces, including the holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965).
Melendez’s movies were honored with two additional prime-time Emmys, three National Cartoonist Society Awards, a Clio and 150 awards for commercials.
Melendez also animated “Garfield on the Town,” “Cathy,” “Babar Comes to America” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
His company, Bill Melendez Prods., will continue to animate, direct and produce features and commercials under the direction of his son Steven.
Melendez is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen; two sons; six grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.
Donations may be made to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Our condolences to Bill Melendez and his family.
Images: PR
Source: news
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