'Tom And Jerry' director and illustrator, Gene Deitch passes away at the age of 95 in Prague

By Tanmayi Savadi

on April 20, 2020

Tom And Jerry formed a major part of our childhood. Needless to say, at any point of all and on any dull day, the show would put a smile on our faces without fail. However, in an unfortunate piece of news, Tom And Jerry's director and illustrator who delighted all, Gene Deitch, passed away at his residence in Prague on April 16. The American Oscar-winning illustrator, animator, film director and producer was 95-years-old.

Gene's Czech publisher, Petr Himmel told in a statement that he died unexpectedly during the night from Thursday to Friday in his apartment in Prague’s Little Quarter neighborhood. More details regarding the death are yet to be disclosed.

Talking about Gene, he directed 13 episodes of Tom And Jerry along with a few of the Popeye the Sailor series. His film Munro won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1960 and was nominated in the same category for Here’s Nudnik and How to Avoid Friendship. He also created the Tom Terrific series and co-produced Sidney's Family Tree which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1958. Gene, in the year 2004, received the Winsor McCay Award for his lifelong contribution to animation.

Gene is survived by his wife and three sons from his first marriage.

(Source: News 18)