Wolfgang Reitherman, a renowned animator of German descent, was one of the esteemed Nine Old Men at Disney, a group of talented artists who played a pivotal role in shaping the studio's animation legacy.
Reitherman's journey with Disney began in 1933, alongside two future Disney legends, Ward Kimball and Milt Kahl. Together, they collaborated on a multitude of classic Disney shorts, laying the groundwork for their future successes.
As a director, Reitherman was responsible for helming several iconic Disney animated feature films, including the beloved classics: One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961),The Sword in the Stone (1963),The Jungle Book (1967),The Aristocats (1970),Robin Hood (1973),The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh (1977),and The Rescuers (1977).
Tragically, Reitherman's life was cut short in a car accident in 1985, at the age of 75. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Disney, Reitherman was posthumously inducted into the Disney Legends hall of fame in 1989, a prestigious program honoring individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.
