Burny Mattinson, the beloved Disney animator known for his work on Lady and the Tramp, The Lion King, and other classics, passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 87 after 70 years of service at The Walt Disney Company. He was set to receive an award in June for his 70th year of service. Mattinson began his journey at Disney as an 18-year-old working in the mailroom and worked his way up without any formal art training. He worked on numerous iconic Disney films and was behind Mickey’s Christmas Carol, which he worked on alone. He helped mentor younger employees to carry on his legacy in the animation industry.
Mattinson started his career with the 1955 classic Lady and the Tramp and went on to work on several other beloved Disney films such as One Hundred and One Dalmatians, the Rescuers, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Mulan, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Mattinson was a story consultant and mentor at the time of his death, passing on his legacy to modern films. His legacy at the company was long-lasting and far-reaching, making him an influential figure in the animation industry.
Mattinson was passionate about his work, and his love for Disney started when he was six years old, watching Pinocchio in theaters. He recalled every day at Disney feeling like his first day, and he never felt like he had gotten old despite spending more than 70 years at the company. He was known as the longest-serving employee at The Walt Disney Company and a Disney Legend.
Mattinson is survived by his wife Ellen Siirola, two children, and grandchildren. Disney Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee wrote a statement saying that his artistry, generosity, and love of Disney animation and generations of storytellers that have come through their doors have made the company better. Animator Eric Goldberg wrote that Mattinson did everything that could be done at the studio and that his work would not be forgotten.
»Burny Mattinson dies at 87 in Los Angeles«
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