The Oscar – winning illustrator died on Thursday night at his apartment in Prague.Gene, whose full names were Eugene Merrill Deitch was best known for creating animated cartoons such as Manro,Tom Terrific,Nudnik as well as Popeye.
His Czech publisher, Petr Himmel, confirmed the news to the Associated Press where he explained the star died ‘unexpectedly’.
“Legendary illustrator and film maker Gene Deitch will remain immortal in the memories of us ,whose childhoods were defined byTom andJerry and Popeye the Sailor.”
I grew up watching Tom and Jerry. It has the best animation and the best background score backing it. It is tireless and i don’t think anyone can recreate the magic . Though am still at odds as to why Tom could never beat Jerry, but I can still watch it and it still makes me laugh more than any other animation I have seen.
Abit of his background , after he graduated he worked as a draftsman for North America Aviation before drafted for the military and entering pilot training.He was 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. In the 1950’s, Gene was an early supporter and audio engineer for Connie Converse one of the first American singer – song writers. Gene is survived by his wife and sons from his first marriage,who are all writers and artists for alternative comics.
I for one will truly miss the great brain behind my favourite animation Tom and Jerry .May his soul rest in eternal life .
