Don Lusk, one of the last living animators from the classic era of Disney passed away at 105.
Lusk joined the Walt Disney Company at the age of 20 and became one of the most notable animators of the classic era. The legend is best known for his work on the Fish Dance in “The Nutcracker Suite” in Fantasia, Cleo the goldfish in Pinocchio, the title character in Alice in Wonderland and Wendy in Peter Pan.
In 1960, Lusk left Walt Disney to direct multiple cartoon films and series, most notably for various Peanuts TV specials and movies and for the Hanna-Barbera studio. Some of his other works include Song of the South, Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty and One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
His wife, Marge, was a secretary at Disney in the personnel department and later in charge of the move of the studio to Burbank.
Disney conceptual artist Mike Peraza wrote in a Facebook post Sunday that
“as with so many animation veterans, [Lusk] was as talented [and he was] as he was generous to others with his advice and help over the years. He will be missed, but his wonderful work will live on.”
The Walt Disney Company has never honored Lusk with its Disney Legend award. However, He received a Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement at the Annie Awards ceremony in 2015.
RIP Don Lusk (1913-2018)
