Bill Melendez: 1916 - 2008

Bill Melendez, celebrated animator best known for his work with the Peanuts franchise, passed away Tuesday of natural causes. He was 91.

Melendez cultivated a lifelong partnership with Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. He transformed the comic-strip narratives into hugely successful animated programs, the first of which, A Charlie Brown Christmas, proved a controversial endeavor. With its unconventional jazz score, use of child actors, religious message and absence of the traditional laugh track, producers feared that it would be a ratings flop. But its surprise reception confirmed the television special an instant cultural treasure. A Charlie Brown Christmas went on to claim Emmy and Peabody awards, and its popularity inspired a string of acclaimed sequels.

Schulz trusted Melendez exclusively with the animation of his characters. In an interview with The Washington Post, Peanuts producer Lee Mendelson said, "Bill moved the characters off the page. He didn't do anything too elaborate. By keeping that simplicity, that caused a seamless transition. I think that was the key to our success."

Throughout his career, Melendez worked on the comic strips "Garfield" and "Cathy," the Babar book series, the films The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Pinnochio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, the characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Mickey Mouse, and more.

Melendez's productions garnered six Emmys, among 19 nominations.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, two sons, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Related links:
YouTube: Bill Melendez interview
News: Over the Rhine honors Charles Schulz
DVD Review: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Remastered Deluxe Edition)

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