The animator and director behind the iconic cartoon Animaniacs, as well as the film Osmosis Jones, has died. As reported by Variety, Barry Caldwell was only 68 years old.
Barry Caldwell's death was confirmed by his friend and fellow animator Paul Dini on
"Barry Caldwell was one of the first animation artists I met when I started my career fresh out of school way back around 1980," the post began. "He was also one of the finest artists I ever met, and easily one of the best people. The man's talent as a cartoonist, designer, and director was revered throughout the industry."
The post then continued to describe Barry Caldwell. "[He was] funny, kind, a genial giant of a guy that you liked from the moment you met him. He knew more about cartoons than you or I ever will (trust me on this)... yet he was incredibly generous with his time."
The post finished by emphasizing Dini's shock at such a loss. "When Dan Haskett told me today Barry had passed, it was like a silent cannonball blowing away a piece of my world. A lot of people's worlds, actually... Gonna miss you, pally." What a heartfelt tribute to such a great man.
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A Little Bit About the Animation Legend, Barry Caldwell
Just who was Barry Caldwell? While he was most known for his work on Animaniacs and Osmosis Jones, he actually had a very lengthy career in animation and the arts.
Barry Caldwell was born on June 19, 1957, in New York. He studied at the School of Visual Arts before starting up work at Warner Bros. Studios. He also worked at Walt Disney Television and DreamWorks.
The first job in Barry Caldwell's long career was an episode of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids in 1980. He then picked up jobs as a storyboard artist in a variety of big-hitting TV series. These include The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, The Smurfs, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, and Alvin & the Chipmunks.
But Barry Caldwell was most well-known for his work on the legendary show Animaniacs, and the film Osmosis Jones.
May this absolute legend rest in peace.
