Bill Melendez Passes On

Sad news friends, the man responsible for bringing animated life to the Peanuts gang has died. We get the following announcement from the remembrance caves of Yahoo:

Bill Melendez, the animator who gave life to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other “Peanuts” characters in scores of movies and TV specials, has died. He was 91. Melendez died of natural causes Tuesday at St. John’s Health Center, according to publicist Amy Goldsmith.

Melendez’s nearly seven decades as a professional animator began in 1938 when he was hired by Walt Disney Studios and worked on Mickey Mouse cartoons and classic animated features such as “Pinocchio” and “Fantasia.” He went on to animate TV specials such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and was the voice of Snoopy, who never spoke intelligible words but issued expressive howls, sighs and sobs.

The Peanuts gang was a beloved comic strip and animating these characters was no small task. You have to bring the gang to life in a way that makes sense and keeps the flavor of the strip. Bill Melendez was able to do this beautifully and we are all in his debt for his masterwork.

Who among us hasn’t enjoyed an animated Snoopy special. Every year since I can remember, the Charlie Brown Christmas Special has been on television. It’s a staple of the holiday season, and will probably continue to be for aeons to come.

Mr. Melendez will live on though his animation. Many generations to come will enjoy his work and he, along with his art, will be fondly remembered by those of us that have already enjoyed the work of his hands. We salute you Mr. Melendez, Rest In Peace.