Wolfgang Reitherman was born on June 26, 1909 in Munich, Germany. His family moved to the United States when he was still a young child, and he was raised there. Reitherman began his career at Disney in the early 1930s, working on classic short films such as Elmer Elephant and Music Land. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of Walt Disney himself, and Reitherman was soon promoted to work on feature-length animated films.
Throughout his decades-long career at Disney, Reitherman worked on numerous iconic films as an animator and director. He was a key figure in the creation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Lady and the Tramp. He also directed Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, and a number of other popular Disney movies.
During World War II, Reitherman served in the United States Air Force and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. After the war, he returned to Disney and continued to make significant contributions to the studio's animated films.
Reitherman was married to Janie Marie McMillan Reitherman from the mid-1940s until his death in 1985. The couple had three sons named Richard, Robert, and Bruce. Reitherman was a dedicated family man who balanced his successful career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Reitherman was part of a renowned group of animators known as "Disney's Nine Old Men," which included fellow animator Les Clark. The group was responsible for creating some of Disney's most beloved and enduring animated films. Reitherman's work continues to be celebrated and cherished by audiences of all ages.
Throughout his career, Wolfgang Reitherman made a lasting impact on the world of animation. His skillful artistry and creative vision helped shape the golden age of Disney animation, and his contributions to the industry are still recognized and appreciated today. Reitherman's legacy lives on through the timeless films he helped create, ensuring that his work will continue to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come.
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