Burnett "Burny" Mattinson, a celebrated American animator, director, producer, and story artist, embarked on a distinguished career spanning nearly seven decades, with the majority of his remarkable journey unfolding at the esteemed Walt Disney Animation Studios, a tenure that commenced in 1953 and endured for an impressive duration.
Mattinson's illustrious career, spanning numerous years, was marked by a plethora of accolades, with the crowning achievement being his induction into the esteemed Disney Legends program in 2008, a distinction that serves as a poignant tribute to his remarkable contributions to the realm of animation, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for his craft.
Mattinson Biography:
Mattinson was born on October 27, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. He began his career in animation in the early 1950s, working as an assistant animator at Walt Disney Productions. Over the years, he worked on numerous classic Disney films, including "Peter Pan," "Lady and the Tramp," and "Sleeping Beauty."
Mattinson's skills as an animator and director soon earned him recognition within the industry, and he was promoted to supervising animator on several projects. He worked closely with legendary Disney animators, such as Ollie Johnston and Ward Kimball, and was known for his attention to detail and ability to bring characters to life.
In addition to his work on feature films, Mattinson also worked on numerous Disney shorts, including the popular "Mickey Mouse" and "Donald Duck" series. He was also involved in the development of several Disney theme park attractions, including the iconic "It's a Small World" ride.
Throughout his career, Mattinson received numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for his work on the film "The Fox and the Hound." He was also inducted into the Disney Legends program in 2008, a testament to his enduring legacy within the Disney company.
Mattinson retired from Disney in 1996, but continued to work as a freelance animator and director. He passed away on April 14, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of incredible animation and a lifetime of memories.
Mattinson's illustrious career with The Walt Disney Company, a tenure that defied the boundaries of time and convention, stretched an astonishing nearly seven decades, a testament to his unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and unshakeable commitment to his craft, earning him the distinction of being the longest serving employee in the company's storied history.
