Lee Mendelson Archives

Lee Mendelson was the executive producer for the beloved “Peanuts” TV special, “Charlie Brown Christmas.” He also produced “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and more than 50 other animated TV specials. Outside of “Peanuts,” he oversaw the “Garfield” and “Cathy” animated TV specials. Mendelson decided to hire jazz musician Vince Guaraldi to create music for “Charlie Brown Christmas” and he co-wrote the lyrics for the timeless song in that special, “Christmas Time Is Here.” We invite you to share condolences for Lee Mendelson in our Guest Book. Died: Wednesday, December 25, 2019 (Who else died on December 25?) Details of death: Died at the age of 86. Is there someone you miss whose memory should be honored? Here are some ways. What they said about him: “He helped bring the holidays to life. What a gift he leaves us. Love to his family. RIP Lee Mendelson.” —Kristin Karnitz on Twitter “Whenever I've felt down, Peanuts has helped me smile again. When I've been happy, Peanuts has been there to be make me even happier. Great team behind those wonderful characters. Farewell Lee Mendelson, you helped to help people more than you knew.” —Martin Wace on Twitter https://www.youtube.com/watch?vs1LUXQWzCno Full obituary:Variety Related lives: Charles Schulz: The Man Behind PeanutsLeonard Goldberg (1934–2019), producer of “Charlie’s Angels”William Hanna and Joseph Barbera: Dynamic Duo

Lee Mendelson

Lee Mendelson (1933–2019), “Peanuts” TV specials producer