Art Babbitt

Art Babbitt (October 8, 1907 – March 4, 1992) was an American animator, best known for his work at The Walt Disney Company. He is credited with the creation of the character Goofy and for his work on other classic Disney characters such as The Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Geppetto from Pinocchio.

Art Babbitt was influential in the field of animation. He was one of the key animators during the Golden Age of Animation and contributed to the development of realistic and dynamic character animation techniques. His work helped elevate animation from mere cartoonish movements to more sophisticated and nuanced performances.

Art Babbitt played a significant role in the 1941 Disney animators' strike, also known as the Disney Studio Strike. He was one of the leaders of the strike, which was a result of the animators' dissatisfaction with working conditions, low wages, and Disney's treatment of his employees. The strike ultimately led to the formation of the Screen Cartoonists Guild, a union for animators.

Art Babbitt's dismissal from Disney can be traced back to his involvement in the 1941 animators' strike. He was one of the key leaders of the strike and became a thorn in the side of Walt Disney, who viewed the strike as a personal betrayal. As a result, Babbitt was ultimately dismissed from the studio in 1941.

After leaving Disney, Art Babbitt went on to work for other animation studios and made significant contributions to the field. He developed the first animation cel paint system, invented the system of "multiplying" animated characters, and helped establish the use of xerography in animation. He also worked as an instructor and mentor to aspiring animators, passing on his knowledge and expertise to future generations.