Rick Reinert, the renowned animation artist, was born Frederick George Reinert, Jr. on September 14, 1925, in Parma, Ohio, to Fred and Anita Reinert, who were both accomplished artists in their own right. His father, Fred, was a long-time member of the Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial art department and a master of caricature.
Reinert's early life was marked by a strong interest in art, which was encouraged by his family. He attended Parma Schaaf High School, where he likely honed his artistic skills and developed a passion for animation.
Reinert's professional career in animation began in 1945 when he joined the cartoon department at MGM. Two years later, in 1947, he was drafted and served at The Army Photo Center Animation Department in New York, where he likely refined his skills and gained valuable experience.
After his military service, Reinert returned to his hometown of Cleveland and began working as an art director for WJW-TV, where he produced sales films and titling in the 1950s. This experience likely laid the groundwork for his future success as an animation director.
In 1960, Reinert took the bold step of opening his own animation studio, Rick Reinert Productions, in Cleveland. The studio quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality animation for a wide range of clients, including General Pictures Corp. and other sponsored film studios.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Reinert continued to produce a wide range of animated specials, including "The Dipsy Doodle Show" (1974),"After School Special" and "Weekend Special" opening credits, and several animated films for Disney, such as "Food Is Fun: A Nutrition Adventure" (1980),"Winnie the Pooh Discovers the Seasons" (1981),and "Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore" (1983).
In addition to his work on Disney films, Reinert also produced and directed several animated shorts, including "Capt'n O.G. Readmore's Jack in the Beanstalk" (1985),"The Bollo Caper" (1985),and "The Kingdom Chums: Original Top 10" (1990).
Reinert's impressive career spanned over four decades, during which he worked on a wide range of projects, from cartoon characters to educational films. He was a true master of his craft, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of what makes animation magic.
In his later years, Reinert continued to work on various projects, including the Peanuts special "It Was My Best Birthday Ever, Charlie Brown" (1997). He passed away on November 5, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of beloved animated characters and films that continue to entertain and inspire audiences to this day.
