Director of ‘Tom and Jerry’ dies at 95

The director of  popular Tom and Jerry animated cartoons, Gene Deitch, has died at the age of 95.

The Oscar-winning illustrator was found died at his apartment in Praque on Thursday night (April 16), express.co.uk has reported.

No further details have been given, but reports say, the film director and producer was last seen in his apartment in the Litter Quarter neighborhood.

Fans have been paying tribute to him on social media, with one fan saying on Twitter:

“Thank you Sir Gene Deitch, for making our childhood so fun I believe, future generations will be loving the show because there’s not a single person present who didn’t like watching the iconic ‘Tom and Jerry’ and Popeye Cartoons.”

“R.I.P Gene Deitch. You lived the artist life and impacted countless generations. It’ll never be forgotten.”

“Gene Deitch, the creator of Tom & Jerry has left for the Heavenly Creator. You added so much happiness to all our lives, no matter how young or old. Salute and Respect. #RIPGeneDeitch.”

Gene is survived by his wife and three sons from his first marriage, who are all writers and artists for alternative comics.

WHO IS GENE DEITCH

Eugene Merrill Deitch popularly known as Gene Deich  was born in 1924 in Chicago.

He started his illustrating career at North American Aviation, drawing up intricate and detailed aircraft blueprints.

In 1943 he underwent pilot training but caught pneumonia and was discharged just a year later.

His animation career started in 1955 when he took an apprenticeship at the animation studio United Productions of America, where he later became known as the creative director of Terrytoons.

He became more widely known in the early 60s when he directed Popeye cartoons, as well as the popular Tom and Jerry series which is still recognised across the world today.

He was also nominated for the same award twice in 1964 for Here’s Nudnik and How to Avoid Friendship. From 1945 to 1951, Gene contributed covers and interior art to jazz magazine The Record Changer.

Gene Deich is best known for creating animated cartoons such as Munro, Tom Terrific, Nudnik, as well as Popeye.

He is also known for the famous Popeye the Sailor series and in 2004 he received the Winsor McCay Award for his lifelong contribution to animation.