Animation Legend Chuck Jones Dies At 89

Posted Saturday, February 23, 2002 at 9:40 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Chuck Jones, the animator who became famous for his Looney Tunes cartoons for Warner Bros., died Friday at his home in California. He was 89.

Jones personally created the Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner characters and help bring famous characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck to the big screen during animation's Golden Age in the 1930s and 1940s. He created over 300 animated films in his life. Jones was awarded four Oscars; three as a director and one honorary award in 1996 for lifetime achievement.

Jones talent was not limited to Looney Tunes however. He created the now famous How The Grinch Stole Christmas cartoon from Dr. Seuss' storybook in 1966. The man often credited as Charles M. Jones also animated the dueling cat and mouse duo of Tom and Jerry. Other notable work included Riki-Tiki-Tavi and creation of the characters Marvin the Martian and Pepe le Pew.

His work speaks for itself. His legacy has and will endure for many generations to come.