Monty Oum was born on June 22, 1981, in Providence, Rhode Island. From a young age, he had a passion for animation and storytelling. He attended high school in his hometown before pursuing a degree in animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia.
After graduating, Oum landed a design position with Midway Games, where he honed his skills in creating visual content for video games. However, he soon realized that his true calling was in the world of web animation.
In 2007, Oum was nominated for a Producers Guild of America Award for his work on the popular web series Red vs. Blue. This recognition catapulted him into the spotlight and solidified his reputation as a talented animator in the digital realm.
His creativity and innovative approach to storytelling caught the attention of Rooster Teeth Productions, a leading entertainment company known for its online content. Oum joined the Rooster Teeth team, where he collaborated with writer, director, and voice actor Kerry Shawcross on the creation of the groundbreaking web series RWBY.
Oum's work on RWBY earned him widespread acclaim and numerous accolades. In addition to winning a Streamy Award and an International Academy of Web Television Award, he also created a popular pop music-based series called Dead Fantasy, showcasing his versatility as an animator.
His unique style and distinctive storytelling techniques set him apart in the world of web animation, garnering him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim from industry professionals.
In 2014, Oum married Sheena Duquette, his longtime partner and love of his life. Tragically, his life was cut short in 2015 when he suffered a severe allergic reaction following a medical procedure. His untimely passing left a void in the animation community, as colleagues, friends, and fans mourned the loss of a brilliant talent.
Despite his premature death, Monty Oum's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work and the impact he had on the world of animation. His innovative storytelling, captivating visuals, and unwavering passion continue to inspire a new generation of animators and creatives around the world.