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Topic: End of an era... Ollie Johnston has passed away
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Doodles
Member
Member # 565
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posted
I think we all knew it was just a matter of time, but it still hits hard. Thanks for everything, Ollie.
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gergley
IE # 200
Member # 74
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posted
Well, here's to a long and influential life and many condolences to those who knew him or got a chance to meet him.
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Charles
Administrator
Member # 7
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posted
Adding my comments of condolences to Ollie Johnston's family and friends on the passing of this great, great talent, honored by the President of the United States for his lifetime of accomplishments in animation.
His book, "The Illusion of Life" which he co-authored with Frank Thomas, was a catalyst in the resurgence of animation that we saw in the 1980s. It did a great deal for me and played a big part in my ultimate decision to puruse a career in this field.
I met him once years ago and got the chance to shake his hand. At least I've got that brief experience to remember. His legacy will live on long after we've all turned to dust.
And although it's a sad day, I don't find myself mourning the man as much as I am celebrating his life. He was a model of how an artist working in animation can have a long and happy career in this business way into one's golden years. That it's worth, every treasure on earth, to be young at heart.
And although, we survive, to be 95, think of all, we'll derive, just from being alive...
Thank you, Ollie. God bless and rest your soul.
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knowledge
IE # 258
Member # 462
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posted
Well said Charles.
I will highlight a lot of his work in a talk I'm giving tonight - like you said, in celebration of the wonderful body of work he laid before us!
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Charles
Administrator
Member # 7
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posted
This just went up on YouTube. Here's Ollie Johnston explaining character animation, recorded at his house on July 20, 2005.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FSNUBCWsptk
Looks like I enjoyed the very first view of this video as the YouTube view counter was at zero when I watched this just now.
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SquarejawHero
IE # 188
Member # 2601
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posted
It's a sad day. A friend of mine who's really into Disney was around this morning and we both came away from reading the news a little depressed.
Then again - 95, and what a career. Wonderful innings he had, it's something to aspire to!
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Bowendesign.com
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Patty B
IE # 226
Member # 375
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posted
We're really on our own now!
Condolences to the animation community and to the Johnston family.
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Timbone
IE # 90
Member # 1305
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posted
I was dreading hearing this news, though knew it was on the horizon... All the Nine Old Men are together again...
I have to be good now so I can get past the Pearly Gates to see what animated wonders the guys have made up there...
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Gagne Michel
IE # 40
Member # 365
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posted
The "Illusion of Life" was my bible during my teenage years.
I met Frank and Ollie in the early 80s at a "Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life" signing in Toronto. There was a bunch of us from Sheridan College and we were all in awe of our idols! They were both very gracious to everyone and answered a multitude of questions. Ollie even drew Mickey in my book!
Thanks for the inspiration, Frank and Ollie!
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Squash Banana
Member
Member # 2700
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posted
I have no words. For me, Ollie represented the final link to animation as it was, great and rare artistry when the art form was young. Guess we really do have to focus on the future, now.
RIP Ollie, and Thank You. I'm sorry I never met you.
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acme
IE # 51
Member # 1591
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posted
I had actually started re-reading the Illusion of life last week. Sadly I was just thinking I would probably hear this news soon. A little sooner than I had hoped. As many have mentioned there is so much to look back on and celebrate!
There will definitely be Nine stars shining bright in the night skies now.
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Zane Kohler
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C W Oberleitner
IE # 222
Member # 3197
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posted
We've posted the official Walt Disney Company obituary on our site.
Ollie Johnston 95: Pioneering Filmmaker, Author, Brilliant Artist, Animator and Last of Walt Disney’s Legendary Nine Old Men
From the Walt Disney Company
April 15, 2008
Author of The Illusion of Life this tremendously talented and gifted artists brought the illusion of life to such Disney Classics as Snow White, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and The Jungle Book over the course of a remarkable 43-year career.
www.o-meon.com
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Mr. Fun
IE # 63
Member # 352
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posted
I was able to say goodbye to Ollie today.
I went to his office in D-Wing in the Disney Animation Building. Ollie's spirit remains.
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Richard
Member
Member # 247
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posted
Thanks so much, Charles. Really wonderful stuff!
Well, on the bright side, at least they're all reunited now. I think this should be impetus for us to create and rise above the ground clutter of modern commercialism.
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www.richardjgaines.blogspot.com
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Map
IEcm
Member # 9
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posted
I just found out last night about the passing of Ollie.. Yep Map here is sad..
I dont think he will mind..but check out Pete Emslie's blog about his friendship with Ollie and Frank.
I too was at a book signing in Toronto way back in the fall of 1984. I was a greenhorn first year animation student and was happy to meet both of them then. Hey everyone from animation was at the book signing. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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gergley
IE # 200
Member # 74
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posted
Since there is a lot more which is being said about him, maybe people could link to blogs, obituaries, rememberances and articles that they know of. Especially if those are things which you or others you know of wrote.
Surely, there's a lot given who he was.
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smars
Member
Member # 3496
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posted
95 is a good age. He seemed a bit sad after Franks passing I've heard. I can only hope to live that long and get to contribute as much as he did to the thing I love so much. It is the end of an era indeed.
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Charles
Administrator
Member # 7
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posted
There's a lot of animation artists that deserve to be recognized within our community. To go beyond the context of the next 9 old men, maybe it would be a good idea to bring back the Uncle Awards. The brainchild of Eric Hedman, something happened that caused Eric to get upset with me about it, one of the episodes where I didn't realize my handling of the situation would cause bad feelings. It would be great to pass out those bowling trophies again. It's up to Eric, if he wants to resurrect the Uncles, he can manage it any way he would like, perhaps making it part of the Animation Day tradition.
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Graphiteman
IE # 218
Member # 2092
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posted
Found this photo in the book of Life magazine photos, The Best Of Life: 
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