Monty Oum, a trailblazing creative force and lead animator, etched an unforgettable legacy in the realm of animation, leaving an enduring impact on the industry. Born on June 22, 1981, his path unfolded with an unconventional beginning, as he made the bold decision to abandon his formal education around 2002, opting instead to dedicate himself to the pursuit of his fervent passion for crafting fan videos.
Monty's remarkable artistic abilities and innovative thinking began to garner widespread recognition within the industry, culminating in a spectacular display of his mastery in 2007. During this pivotal moment, he showcased his extraordinary talent by bringing to life a thrilling confrontation between a Spartan warrior from Halo 2 and Samus Aran, the legendary heroine from Super Smash Bros. Melee. This awe-inspiring achievement did not go unnoticed, as it ultimately led to Monty being recruited by Midway Games to join their team as a combat designer. His impressive skills and experience soon made him a valuable asset, and he went on to work at Namco Games as a combat designer and animator for the critically acclaimed Afro Samurai.
Montgomery "Monty" Oum's professional journey intersected with that of Burnie Burns during the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International, a prestigious event that brings together industry professionals, creators, and fans of comics, science fiction, and fantasy.
Fast forward to 2010, when Monty's path converged with that of Burnie Burns once again, this time at PAX East, a premier gaming convention that showcases the latest developments in the gaming industry.
Monty's exceptional work on Red vs. Blue, Season 8, caught the attention of his superiors, including Burnie Burns and Matt Hullum, who were so impressed with his skills that they decided to entrust him with his own project.
This project, which would eventually come to be known as RWBY, would become a passion project for Monty, a testament to his creative genius and innovative spirit.
Miles Luna and Kerry Shawcross, two talented writers, collaborated with Monty Oum, a visionary creator, to bring the animated series RWBY to life. The show premiered in 2012, garnering widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Tragically, Monty's life was tragically cut short when he suffered a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction on January 22, 2015. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals to save him, Monty's condition continued to deteriorate, and he slipped into a coma.
As the days passed, Monty's loved ones and fans held on to hope that he would recover, but sadly, it was not meant to be. Monty Oum passed away on February 1, 2015, at precisely 4:24 P.M., leaving behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and inspiration that continues to impact the world of animation and beyond.
Miles Luna and Kerry Shawcross, along with the entire RWBY team, were deeply saddened by Monty's passing, and his memory continues to be honored through the continuation of the series, which remains a testament to his enduring spirit and creative genius.
Monty Oum's life was a testament to the transformative power of imagination, as his unwavering enthusiasm and unrelenting commitment to his craft inspired a devoted following and cemented his enduring influence within the realm of animation.
