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Joe Grant Obituary
Grant had a heart attack Friday while working at the drawing board in his Glendale home's studio, according to a statement released by Walt Disney Co.
Grant's time at Disney spanned more than six decades, starting with his work on early movies like "Snow White" and culminating with later films like "Pocahontas." He was named an official Disney legend at a ceremony in 1992.
"With his vast knowledge of art and literature, Grant was considered the studio's top intellectual and he had a profound influence on the films that got made," the company's statement said.
Disney hired Grant in 1933 to work on the animated short "Mickey's Gala Premiere."
He was later tapped to design the queen-witch character in "Snow White" and was made head of a department that served as a think tank for future animated projects, including "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia."
Grant also co-wrote "Dumbo" and conceived "Lady and the Tramp" with his wife.
He left the company in 1949 to start his own businesses, but returned to Disney 40 years later to work on "Aladdin," "The Lion King," "Pocahontas" and "Mulan."
"We were so incredibly fortunate to have had Joe at the studio sharing his creativity and enthusiasm, and inspiring young talent for such a long time," said David Stainton, president of Walt Disney Feature Animation.
More than 70 of Grant's caricatures are included in the permeant collection at the Smithsonian Institute and he received a Ruben Award from the National Cartoonists Society in 1996.
Grant is survived by two daughters. His wife of 70 years, Jennie, died in 1991.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
12 Entries
Charlie Rosenberger
October 19, 2007
My blessings to family and friends I did not know Goe Grant but read how great and nice of a gental men he was wish I would have got to meet him thank him for sighning my book i did not no he passed until recently and when I read an artical about that lady and the tramp was started from a springer spaniel ideh that Goe had one I had a springer as a child name sheba wish could have sent him a picture of her/ sincerly Charlie Rosenberger
Jamie Bresee
May 18, 2005
You will never be forgotton.
You created un-forgettable characters, and for that,
your memory will always live on.
May you rest in peace.
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Arron Lapointe
May 17, 2005
Snow white is a classic aswell as dumbo!
RIP
Pamela Long
May 11, 2005
Thank-you so much for your imagination and creativity. You are amazing. The joy you brought to these stories will live on in the lives of many. It is a loss for us on earth, but I know you will entertain in the heavens. Keep drawing and creating marvels. Thank-you.
Jahih Sanders
May 11, 2005
It is so sad that someone like this dies. I think he was a great man and I hope I follow his footsteps as I too want to become a artist. My condolences go to the family. I so sorry for this great loss.
Frank Robinson
May 10, 2005
Joe,
You will be sadly missed,Walt saved you a sketching table and a pen..Take care and Godbless,one of your biggest fans-Frank Robinson
GAIL SIEGEL
May 10, 2005
You created such unforgetable characters in which you will live on forever.
Rest In Peace, Joe.
May 10, 2005
God looked around his Garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.
Peace and Love to All.
Corletta Hardy
May 10, 2005
I,really,enjoyed,the,queen,witch,wh
en,I,was,a,child,I,still,enjoyed.Th
e,scenes,maybe,when,I,have,grandchi
ldrens,they,will,enjoy,the,story.
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