Michael John Roberts, the animator behind fan-favorite animated series like BoJack Horseman and TripTank, has passed away.
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The beloved animator's Nov. 11 death was announced by his family, including his wife, Gossip Girl actress Bree Williamson. In the announcement, his family explained that Roberts' glioblastoma diagnosis "came suddenly and the time that followed was heartbreakingly short." They added that the 48-year-old died peacefully at home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family.
"With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Michael John Roberts," his family wrote. "Michael saw the world a little differently. A gifted artist with an extraordinary talent, he could find something worth exploring in what others might overlook. His creativity was not limited to what he put on paper; it shaped the way he thought, questioned, and understood the world around him."
According to Deadline, the Toronto native broke into the Canadian animation world in the late 1990s and early 2000s in children's shows like Angela Anaconda and The Hoobs.
Michael John Roberts' Signature Animated Projects Were Geared Towards Adults
However, Roberts' signature work as an animator was in more adult-oriented TV shows. He co-created and directed TripTank, which aired on Comedy Central from 2014 to 2016. The series featured voice acting from comedy heavy hitters like Bob Odenkirk, Larry David, and Zach Galifianakis.
In 2015, Roberts animated the opening credits for the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman, setting the tone for the acclaimed show, headlined by Will Arnett. Roberts went on to direct two episodes of the animated series.
As a journeyman animation director, Roberts worked on a slew of animated series. His directing credits include Bill Burr's F Is for Family, Final Space, MrBeast Lab, and Strange Planet. Robert's last directing credit was for an episode of Masters of the Universe: Tales from Eternia earlier this year.
"We were supposed to have more time," his family added in his obituary. "More conversations over a good cup of coffee; spirited debates about matters both profound and wonderfully insignificant. More laughter, more stories, more music, and more ordinary moments that would someday become extraordinary memories."
"Although his illness came suddenly and the time that followed was heartbreakingly short, it cannot define the man he was," his family added. "His life is better remembered through what he created, the conversations he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely to those closest to him."
Roberts is survived by his wife and their son, McGreggor.
