Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: William Henson, Bullwinkle creator R.I.P.

This is topic William Henson, Bullwinkle creator R.I.P. in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 12-06-2002, 12:56 AM:

I just saw the news about the passing of William Henson, the fellow who created Bullwinkle, Rocky the flying squirrel, Boris & Natasha. He first worked at Disney where he helped bring the squirrels, Chip & Dale to life. In later years he helped create advertising icons like the silly rabbit in those Trix cereal commercials.

Being a commercial artist, I have strong admiration for anyone who can become successful in making hand-drawn animation. I remember the days at School of Visual Arts when Disney would make their annual recruiting visit. Many of us weren't exactly thrilled with the idea of being an animator. Long hours and lots and lots of hard work. I see the artists who make the grade in that kind of drawing bootcamp in the same way as someone who makes it through "hell week" and beyond in the Navy Seals. Animation pushes fast, consistent drawing skill much harder than any other artisan trade out there. I'm sure I might get arguments on that, but that's how I feel about it.

Henson may not have had the same name recognition as Chuck Jones. Nevertheless, the animation world has lost another great.

There's a little more about the story http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/12/05/henson.obit.reut/index.html

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-06-2002, 08:19 AM:

Weren't "Chip and Dale" chipmonks?:

Chip & Dale Europe Disney

Rescue Rangers

Chip and Dale at Disneyland

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 12-06-2002, 08:56 AM:

Wasn't it Jay Ward and Bill Scott who created Bullwinle?

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 12-06-2002, 06:18 PM:

Jay Ward and Bill Scott were the creators, but Henson was the animator behind it. Oh yeah, and John it right, Chip and Dale are indeed chipmunks. I had Rocky the flying squirrel screwing with my head when I typed the first post late last night.