Academy Award-winning animation producer David DePatie has passed away.
David Hudson DePatie
December 24, 1929 – September 23, 2021
From cartoon historian Jerry Beck’s memoriam:
There is much to say about DePatie, but I’ll start with the fact he was the last producer of the Warner Bros. Animation Division in 1961-62 – the department that created Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies originally under Leon Schlesinger in 1930…
In 1963, he formed DePatie-Freleng Enterprises with Friz Freleng – DePatie the businessman, Freleng the creative director. One of their first jobs was creating the Pink Panther character and animated titles for the 1964 Blake Edwards feature film. The title sequence was so acclaimed, United Artists paid to produce a pilot (The Pink Phink) which won DePatie and Freleng an Academy Award for Best Cartoon Short.
More from Jerry:
DePatie Freleng thrived on these series, numerous TV commercials, movie & TV titles (including I Dream of Jeannie) and TV series (Super Six, My World and Welcome To It, Here Comes The Grump, MisterJaw, etc.). TV Specials included Dr. Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat and The Lorax. DePatie Freleng also produced a slew of After-School Specials – as well as group of 1960s theatrical cartoons featuring The Roadrunner, Speedy Gonzales and Daffy Duck.
When Friz Freleng decided to return to Warner Bros. in 1981, DePatie remained at the helm of the company under its new name – Marvel Animation – producing Spiderman and his Amazing Friends and The Incredible Hulk among others – until his retirement later in that decade.
IMDb has a list of DePatie credits (get your scrolling finger ready).
