Art Babbitt, born on August 10, 1907, in Omaha, Nebraska, was raised in Iowa. However, at a young age, he moved to New York to support his family after an accident left his father unable to work. His artistic talents were evident from a young age, and he landed his first job at Paul Terry's Terrytoons Studios.
Babbitt's big break came when he started working for Walt Disney Studios. His first project at Disney was working on the 1936 short film, "The Country Cousin," where he animated a drunken mouse. Babbitt quickly made a name for himself at Disney, contributing to iconic films such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Pinocchio."
One of Babbitt's most notable contributions at Disney was his animation of the Wicked Queen in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and Geppetto in "Pinocchio." His attention to detail and ability to bring characters to life through animation set him apart from his peers.
However, Babbitt's time at Disney was not without challenges. He was involved in the infamous studio strike of 1941, which left him with a sour relationship with the company. After serving in World War II, Babbitt left Disney and joined UPA, where he continued to showcase his exceptional talent as an animator.
In 1937, Babbitt married Marjorie Belcher, a dance model he met while she was providing live-action reference for the character of Snow White. Their relationship was a testament to Babbitt's ability to find inspiration in all aspects of life, from his professional endeavors to his personal relationships.
Babbitt's enmity with Disney persisted for many years. It was not until 1991, when Walt's nephew, Roy E. Disney, reached out to him, that their relationship began to heal. This gesture marked the end of a long-standing feud and allowed Babbitt to reflect on his time at Disney with a sense of closure.
Art Babbitt's legacy in the world of animation is undeniable. His contributions to classic Disney films and his innovative approach to character animation have left a lasting impact on the industry. Babbitt's ability to infuse personality and emotion into his characters set a new standard for animators to aspire to.
Despite the challenges he faced throughout his career, Art Babbitt's dedication to his craft and his unwavering passion for animation cemented his status as a true pioneer in the field. His story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and creativity in the face of adversity.
Art Babbitt's influence continues to be felt in the world of animation, inspiring generations of artists to push boundaries and create memorable characters that touch the hearts of audiences around the world.