1961 In Animation

Events in 1961 in animation.

Events

January

* January 24: Voice actor Mel Blanc suffers a car accident which leaves him in a coma for two weeks. He is brought back to consciousness by addressing his Looney Tunes characters, in whose voices he replies.''That's Not All, Folks!'', 1988, by Mel Blanc and Philip Bashe. Warner Books, (softcover), (hardcover)
* January 25: Walt Disney's ''One Hundred and One Dalmatians'' premieres, directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske and Clyde Geronimi.
* January 30: The first episode of ''The Yogi Bear Show'' is broadcast, marking the debuts of Snagglepuss and Yakky Doodle.

February

* February 20: Wolfgang Reitherman's '' Goofy'' cartoon ''Aquamania'' premieres.
* February 25: The first episode of Art Clokey's ''Davey and Goliath'' is broadcast."Davey and Pal Make TV Bow", ''Hartford Courant'', February 18, 1961, p. 11

April

* April 17: 33rd Academy Awards: ''Munro'' wins the Academy Award for Best Animated Short.

May

* May 1: The first episode of ''Otogi Manga Calendar'' is broadcast, the first anime TV series.

June

* June 21: Hamilton Luske's ''The Litterbug,'' the final theatrical Donald Duck cartoon premieres.

August

* August: The first episode of ''Pingwings'' is broadcast.

September

* September 7: '' Switchin' Kitten'', the first ''Tom and Jerry'' cartoon directed by Gene Deitch premieres.
* September 15: ''The Flintstones'' episode ''The Hit Song Writers'' is first broadcast, guest starring Hoagy Carmichael.
* September 24: The first episode of ''Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color'' premieres, in which Ludwig von Drake makes his debut.
* September 27:
** The first episode of Hanna-Barbera's ''Top Cat'' is broadcast.
** The first episode of Jay Ward's ''Dudley Do-Right'' is broadcast.

October

* October 4: The first episode of ''The Alvin Show'' is broadcast.

Specific date unknown

* Bagdasarian Productions is founded by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. to produce works based on his fictional characters, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Their first production was the animated series ''The Alvin Show''.
* Lev Atamanov's '' The Key'' premieres.
* Arthur Lipsett's ''Very Nice, Very Nice'' premieres.

Films released

* January 25 - ''One Hundred and One Dalmatians'' (United States)
* March 5 - '' The Coyote's Lament'' (United States)
* June 28 - ''Cipollino'' (Soviet Union)
* July 19 - '' The Orphan Brother'' (Japan)
* December 8 - '' The Strange History of the Citizens of Shilda'' (East Germany)
* Specific date unknown - '' The Key'' (Soviet Union)

Television series

* January 1 - ''The Dick Tracy Show'' debuts in syndication.
* January 30 ''- The Yogi Bear Show'' debuts in syndication.
* April 3 - ''Minna no Uta'' debuts on NHK.
* May 1 - ''Otogi Manga Calendar'' debuts on TBS.
* September - ''The Dudley Do-Right Show'' debuts on ABC.
* September 1 - ''Tales of the Wizard of Oz'' debuts in syndication.
* September 27 - ''Top Cat'' debuts on ABC.
* October 3 - ''Calvin and the Colonel'' debuts on ABC.
* October 4 - ''The Alvin Show'' debuts on ABC and NBC.
* Specific date unknown:
** ''Out of the Inkwell'' and ''The Underseas Explorers'' debut in syndication.
** ''The Pingwings'' debuts on ITV.

Births

January

* January 2: Gabrielle Carteris, American actress (voice of Vicki Vale in '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'', Sable Thorpe in the ''Batman Beyond'' episode "King's Ransom", Poppy Beifong in the ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' episode "The Blind Bandit", Jane Sherman in ''The Mummy'' episode "Old Friends").
* January 4: Graham McTavish, Scottish actor (voice of Dracula in '' Castlevania'', Loki in '' The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes'', Sebastian Shaw in '' Wolverine and the X-Men'', Savanti Romero in ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'', Fergus McDuck in ''DuckTales'').
* January 9:
** Candi Milo, American voice actress (voice of Sweetie Pie in ''Tiny Toon Adventures'', Red in ''2 Stupid Dogs'', Mom and Teacher in ''Cow and Chicken'', Crystal and Amber in ''Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders'', Coco, Madame Foster, and Cheese in ''Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'', Nora Wakeman in ''My Life as a Teenage Robot'', The Flea in ''¡Mucha Lucha!'', Snap in '' ChalkZone'', continued voice of Dexter in '' Dexter's Laboratory'' and Granny in the '' Looney Tunes'' franchise).
** Al Jean, American writer, animator and producer (''The Simpsons'', co-creator of ''The Critic'').
* January 10: Steve Hickner, American animator and director (Walt Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation, ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'').
* January 13: Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, American actress and comedian (voice of Princess Atta in ''A Bug's Life'', Laurel Lightfoot in '' Onward'', Gloria in ''The Simpsons'', Rochelle in '' Planes'', Julia in the ''Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist'' episode "Ben Treats", Miss Felter in the ''Hey Arnold!'' episode "Crush on Teacher").
* January 14:
** Japhet Asher, English-born American television producer and writer (MTV Animation, ''Pet Alien'').
** Robert Walker, Canadian-American animator (Atkinson Film-Arts, ''The Raccoons'', Walt Disney Animation Studios), storyboard artist ('' Dennis the Menace''), background artist ('' COPS'') and director (''Brother Bear''), (d. 2015).
* January 18: Bob Peterson, American animator, director, screenwriter, storyboard artist, and actor (Pixar).
* January 28:
** Michael Paraskevas, American illustrator, cartoonist, and producer (co-creator of ''The Kids from Room 402'', ''Maggie and the Ferocious Beast'' and ''Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse'').
** Robbyn Kirmsse, American singer and actress (voice of Ember McLain in '' Danny Phantom'', Germette in the '' Curious George'' episode "The Inside Story", singing voice of Penny Sanchez in '' ChalkZone'').
* January 29: Michael Ferris, American television writer (''Rugrats'', ''Beethoven'', ''Æon Flux'', '' Recess'', ''The Simpsons'') and script consultant (''Hey Arnold!'').
* January 30:
** Denys Cowan, American television producer (''Static Shock'', ''The Boondocks''), storyboard artist ('' Joseph: King of Dreams'', ''Invasion America'', ''The Electric Piper''), and co-founder of Milestone Media.
** Dexter King, American civil rights activist (voice of Martin Luther King Jr. at age 34 in ''Our Friend, Martin''), (d. 2024).

February

* February 4: Ron Scalera, American marketer and promotion executive (executive in charge for ''The Simpsons'' episode "The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular"), (d. 2010).
* February 5:
** Bruce Timm, American artist, character designer, animator, writer, producer, and actor (Warner Bros. Animation).
** Tim Meadows, American actor, comedian, and writer (voice of Richard Stands in ''Olive, the Other Reindeer'', Lil' Barack in ''Lil' Bush'', Mike the Mailman in ''Bob's Burgers'', Brent in ''Santa Inc.'', Samuel in ''Chicago Party Aunt'', Quail Eegan in '' Digman!'', Wind Song in ''The Venture Bros.'' episode "Sphinx Rising", Orville in the ''Animals'' episode "Horses", Jameson's Dad in the '' BoJack Horseman'' episode "A Horse Walks into a Rehab").
* February 13: Henry Rollins, American singer, writer, actor, and presenter (voice of Mad Stan in ''Batman Beyond'', Zaheer in ''The Legend of Korra'', Jonny Rancid in ''Teen Titans'', Skylar in ''Shorty McShorts' Shorts'', Bob Rainicorn/Cookie Man in ''Adventure Time'', Kilowog in ''Green Lantern: Emerald Knights'', Tri-Klops in ''Masters of the Universe: Revelation'', Bonk in ''Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker'', Robotman (Cliff Steele), Cliff Steele/Robotman in the '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'' episode "The Last Patrol!", Trucker in the ''American Dad!'' episode "Chimdale", Skeletony in the ''Uncle Grandpa'' episode "Hide and Seek", Speedy Silverado in the ''Sheriff Callie's Wild West'' episode "Blazing Skaters").
* February 23: Don Rhymer, American screenwriter and film producer (''Fish Police (TV series), Fish Police'', ''Surf's Up (film), Surf's Up'', Blue Sky Studios), (d. 2012).
* February 27:
** Grant Shaud, American actor (voice of Foreman in ''Antz'', Harry Loomis / Pack Rat in the ''Batman: The Animated Series'' episode "Make 'Em Laugh", Felix Hoenikker in the ''Godzilla: The Series'' episode "Talkin' Trash", Mr. Culpepper in ''The Wild Thornberrys'' episode "The Dragon and the Professor").
** Michaela Pavlátová, Czech animator and film director (''Reci, Reci, Reci'' (''Words, Words, Words''), ''Repete'', ''Tram'', ''My Sunny Maad'').

March

* March 4: Steven Weber, American actor (voice of Norman Osborn, Green Goblin and Venom (character), Venom in ''Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series), Ultimate Spider-Man'', Charlie B. Barkin in ''All Dogs Go to Heaven: The Series'', Alfred Pennyworth in ''Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders'', ''Batman vs. Two-Face'', and the ''Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?'' episode "What a Night for a Dark Knight!", Brian Hackett in ''Duckman'', Beyonder in ''Avengers Assemble (TV series), Avengers Assemble'', Odysseus in ''Hercules (1998 TV series), Hercules'').
* March 8:
** Jess Winfield, American novelist, television writer (Disney Television Animation), and voice actor (continued voice of Jumba Jookiba in the ''Lilo & Stitch (franchise), Lilo & Stitch'' franchise).
** Camryn Manheim, American actress (voice of Tria in ''The Land Before Time'' franchise, Ellen Pine in the ''Family Guy'' episode "Dammit Janet", Camryn in the ''Higglytown Heroes'' episode "Twinkle Tooth").
* March 11: Greg Kramer, British-Canadian author, actor, director and magician (voice of Anton in ''George and Martha'', Nemo in ''Arthur (TV series), Arthur'', additional voices in ''Tripping the Rift''), (d. 2013).'Punk-rock renaissance man' Greg Kramer dies on eve of rehearsals
''The Globe and Mail'', 9 April 2013.
* March 13: Paul Berry (animator), Paul Berry, British animator and director (''The Sandman (1991 film), The Sandman'', worked for Cosgrove Hall and Henry Selick), (d. 2001).
* March 14: Penny Johnson Jerald, American actress (voice of Amanda Waller in ''Justice League: Gods and Monsters'', Sarafina in ''The Lion King (2019 film), The Lion King'').
* March 19: Jonathan Collier, American television producer and writer (''The Simpsons'', ''King of the Hill'', ''What's New, Scooby-Doo?'', ''The Goode Family'').
* March 20: Louis Chirillo, American-Canadian former actor (voice of Ed in ''Sitting Ducks (TV series), Sitting Ducks'', Salem Saberhagen, Salem in ''Sabrina: Friends Forever'', Ken Kelley in ''Being Ian'', Ransack in ''Transformers: Cybertron'', Dukey and Mr. Teacherman in ''Johnny Test'', Jimmy and Dogwood in ''Krypto the Superdog'', Shaman in ''Pucca (TV series), Pucca'', Living Laser in ''Iron Man: Armored Adventures'', Wormwood in ''Barbie: The Pearl Princess'', Lion in the ''Tom and Jerry Tales'' episode "You're Lion").
* March 21: Kathy Zielinski, American animator (Walt Disney Animation Studios, ''FernGully: The Last Rainforest'', DreamWorks Animation, ''The Book of Life (2014 film), The Book of Life'', ''The Simpsons'') and character designer (''FernGully: The Last Rainforest'', ''Pocahontas (1995 film), Pocahontas'').
* March 25: Aron Warner, American film producer and voice actor (Shrek (franchise), ''Shrek'').
* March 29: Amy Sedaris, American actress and comedian (voice of Foxy Loxy in ''Chicken Little (2005 film), Chicken Little'', Princess Carolyn in '' BoJack Horseman'', Cinderella (Shrek), Cinderella in ''Shrek the Third'', Mina Loveberry in ''Star vs. the Forces of Evil'', Pepper in ''DuckTales'', Ma Angler in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'', Bandit Princess in the ''Adventure Time'' episode "I Am a Sword", Yellow Zircon and Blue Zircon in the ''Steven Universe'' episode "The Trial").

April

* April 2: Christopher Meloni, American actor (voice of Hal Jordan in ''Green Lantern: First Flight'', Jim Gordon (character), Commissioner Gordon and Two-Face in ''Harley Quinn (TV series), Harley Quinn'').
* April 3: Eddie Murphy, American actor and comedian (voice of Mushu in ''Mulan (1998 film), Mulan'', Donkey (Shrek), Donkey in the ''Shrek (franchise), Shrek'' franchise, creator of and voice of Thurgood Stubbs in ''The PJs'').
* April 8: Gregg Vanzo, American animator (Marvel Productions, ''Garfield: His 9 Lives'', '' Looney Tunes''), overseas supervisor (''The Ren & Stimpy Show'', ''Beavis and Butt-Head'', ''The Critic'', ''Timon & Pumbaa (TV series), Timon & Pumbaa'', ''Stitch! The Movie''), director (''The Simpsons'', ''The Maxx'', ''Futurama'') and producer (founder of Rough Draft Studios).
* April 12: Magda Szubanski, Australian comedy actress, author, singer and LGBT rights advocate (voice of Beatrice in ''Santa's Apprentice'', Mrs. Mutton in ''100% Wolf'', and Miss Viola in ''Happy Feet'' and ''Happy Feet Two'').
* April 13: Liz Callaway, American actress and singer (singing voice of Anya (Anastasia), the title character in ''Anastasia (1997 film), Anastasia'', Jasmine (Aladdin), Jasmine in the ''Aladdin (franchise), Aladdin'' franchise, Odette in ''The Swan Princess'', and Kiara in ''The Lion King II: Simba's Pride'').
* April 18:
** Joe Whyte, American actor and artist (Walt Disney Animation Studios).
** Jane Leeves, English actress (voice of Ladybug in ''James and the Giant Peach (film), James and the Giant Peach'', Athena in ''Hercules (1998 TV series), Hercules'', Ari Curd in the ''We Bare Bears'' episode "Googs").
* April 20: Don Mattingly, American former baseball baseman, coach and manager (voiced himself in ''The Simpsons'' episode "Homer at the Bat").
* April 21: Cathy Cavadini, American voice actress (voice of Blossom (The Powerpuff Girls), Blossom in ''The Powerpuff Girls'', Tanya Mousekewitz in ''An American Tail: Fievel Goes West'').
* April 23: George Lopez, American comedian and actor (voice of Rafael in ''Rio (2011 film), Rio'' and ''Rio 2'', Ernesto Estrella in ''The Loud House'' and ''The Casagrandes'', José Guadalupe Posada, José Posada in the ''Victor and Valentino'' episode "Finding Posada", himself in the ''Harley Quinn (TV series), Harley Quinn'' episode "There's No Place to Go But Down").
* April 28: Jamieson Price, American actor (voice of Dreyfus in ''The Seven Deadly Sins (manga), The Seven Deadly Sins'', Gula in ''DokiDoki! PreCure'', Sojiro Sakura in ''Persona 5: The Animation'', Bearbarian in ''Power Players'').

May

* May 3: Joe Murray (animator), Joe Murray, American animator, cartoonist, illustrator, designer, writer, producer and director (creator of ''Rocko's Modern Life'', ''Camp Lazlo'' and ''Let's Go Luna!'').
* May 6:
** Wally Wingert, American voice actor (voice of Almighty Tallest Red in ''Invader Zim'', Renji Abarai in ''Bleach (TV series), Bleach'', Rufus Shinra in ''Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children'', Yuuichirou Jumada in ''Sailor Moon'', Aoba Yamashiro in ''Naruto'', Kotetsu Kaburagi in ''Tiger & Bunny'', Jon Arbuckle in ''The Garfield Show'', Hank Pym, Ant-Man and MODOK in '' The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes'', Cubot in ''Sonic Boom (TV series), Sonic Boom'').
** George Clooney, American actor and filmmaker (voice of Doctor Gouache in ''South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut'', Mr. Fox in ''Fantastic Mr. Fox (film), Fantastic Mr. Fox'', Sparky in the ''South Park'' episode "Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride").
* May 12: Robert Cait, Canadian voice actor (voice of Col. Paul 'Crowbar' Corbin and Gen. Torvek in ''Starcom: The U.S. Space Force'', Proud Pork in ''Piggsburg Pigs!'', Colossus (character), Colossus in ''X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men'', Mr. Wilter and Blocky in '' ChalkZone'', Jake in ''Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron'', Felix's Father, Constable Gallagher, Insane Santa and Absent-Minded Santa in ''Santa's Apprentice'', Victorian Santa in ''The Magic Snowflake'', French Guard in ''Mr. Peabody & Sherman'', Boris Badenov in ''Rocky & Bullwinkle (2014 film), Rocky & Bullwinkle'', Slab in the ''Quack Pack'' episode "Huey Duck, P.I.", Slab Rankle and Sgt. Shriver in the ''Invader Zim'' episode "FBI Warning of Doom", Norm the Genie in ''The Fairly OddParents'' episode "Fairy Idol", additional voices in ''My Pet Monster'', ''Beetlejuice (TV series), Beetlejuice'', ''The Adventures of Tintin (TV series), The Adventures of Tintin'', ''Duckman'' and ''Max Steel (2000 TV series), Max Steel'').
* May 16: Kevin McDonald, Canadian actor and comedian (voice of Pleakley in the ''Lilo & Stitch (franchise), Lilo & Stitch'' franchise, Almighty Tallest Purple in ''Invader Zim'', Waffle in ''Catscratch'', Albus Duckweed in ''Amphibia (TV series), Amphibia'').
* May 21: Anne D. Bernstein, American television writer (''Video Power'', ''KaBlam!'', MTV Animation, ''The Backyardigans'', ''Viva Piñata (TV series), Viva Piñata'', ''Angelo Rules'', ''Kit and Kate'', ''Super Wings''), (d. 2022).
* May 27: Peri Gilpin, American actress (voice of Raksha in ''The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story'', Lana Lionheart in The Lionhearts, Jane Proudfoot in ''Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within'', Hecate in ''Hercules (1998 TV series), Hercules'', Volcana (DC Comics), Volcana in ''Superman: The Animated Series'', Desiree in '' Danny Phantom'').
* May 29: Linda Wallem, American actress, comedienne, singer, writer and producer (voice of Dr. Paula Hutchison, Virginia Wolfe and other various characters in ''Rocko's Modern Life'', Aunt Gretchen and Female Giraffe in ''Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling'', Mom in the ''HBO Storybook Musicals'' episode "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day").
* May 31: Anthony Agrusa, American animator ( Hanna-Barbera, ''The Legends of Treasure Island'', ''Meena (character), Meena'', ''101 Dalmatians: The Series'', ''The Mighty Kong'', ''Futurama'', ''Boo Boo Runs Wild'', ''What a Cartoon!'', ''King of the Hill''), storyboard artist (''Family Guy'', ''American Dad!''), overseas supervisor (''Boo Boo Runs Wild'') and director (''The Cleveland Show'', ''Family Guy'').

June

* June 5: Mary Kay Bergman, American voice actress (voice of the Bimbettes in ''Beauty and the Beast (1991 film), Beauty and the Beast'', Quasimodo's mother in ''The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film), The Hunchback of Notre Dame'', Liane Cartman, Sheila Broflovski, Shelly Marsh, Sharon Marsh, Mrs. McCormick and Wendy Testaburger in ''South Park'', Banshee in ''Extreme Ghostbusters'', Barbara Gordon, Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in ''Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero'', Timmy Turner in ''Oh Yeah! Cartoons'', Gwen Stacy in the ''Spider-Man (1994 TV series), Spider-Man'' episode "Farewell Spider-Man", continued voice of Dr. Blight in ''Captain Planet and the Planeteers'' and Daphne Blake in ''Scooby-Doo''), (d. 1999).
* June 9: Michael J. Fox, Canadian-American retired actor (voice of Milo Thatch in ''Atlantis: The Lost Empire'', the title character in ''Stuart Little (film), Stuart Little'', ''Stuart Little 2'' and ''Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild'', Gandhi's Remaining Kidney in the ''Clone High'' episode "Escape to Beer Mountain: A Rope of Sand", Michael and Werewolf in the ''Phineas and Ferb'' episode "The Curse of Candace", himself in the ''Corner Gas Animated'' episode "Dream Waiver").
* June 10: Manny Coto, American television writer and producer (''Tales from the Cryptkeeper''), (d. 2023).
* June 12: Jefferson R. Weekley, American background artist and prop designer (''The Simpsons'', ''Family Guy'').
* June 18: Ron Hughart, American animator (''Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures'', ''Garfield and Friends'', ''Cool World'', ''Family Dog (TV series), Family Dog'', ''2 Stupid Dogs''), storyboard artist (''Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling'') and director (''The Ren & Stimpy Show'', ''Futurama'', Warner Bros. Animation, ''My Life as a Teenage Robot'', ''American Dad!'').
* June 22: Joe Aaron, American screenwriter and producer (''Doug (TV series), Doug'').
* June 25: Ricky Gervais, English actor, comedian, writer (''The Simpsons'') and director (voice of Penguin in ''Robbie the Reindeer in Legend of the Lost Tribe'', Bugsy in ''Valiant (film), Valiant'', James Bing in ''Escape from Planet Earth'', The Conceited Man in ''The Little Prince (2015 film), The Little Prince'', The Cat in ''The Willoughbys'', Ika Chu in ''Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank'', Charles Heathbar in ''The Simpsons'' episode "Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife", Narrator in the ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' episode "Truth or Square", Billy Finn in the ''Family Guy'' episode "Be Careful What You Fish For", Hedgehog in Orphanage in the '' BoJack Horseman'' episode "Out to Sea (BoJack Horseman), Out to Sea", himself in the ''Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?'' episode "Ollie Ollie In-Come Free!", and ''The Simpsons'' episode "Angry Dad: The Movie", co-creator and co-host of ''The Ricky Gervais Show (TV series), The Ricky Gervais Show'').
* June 27: Meera Syal, English actress, comedian and writer (voice of Owl in ''Tinga Tinga Tales'').
* June 29: Sharon Lawrence, American actress (voice of Maxima (DC Comics), Maxima in the ''Superman: The Animated Series'' episode "Warrior Queen", Scarlett Reynolds in the ''American Dad!'' episode "The Scarlett Getter").

July

* July 4: Ted Elliott (screenwriter), Ted Elliott, American screenwriter and film producer (''Aladdin (1992 Disney film), Aladdin'', ''Shrek (2001 film), Shrek'').
* July 5: Patrizia Scianca, Italian actress (dub voice of Sailor Neptune in ''Sailor Moon'', Suneo in ''Doraemon'', Zakuro Fujiwara in ''Tokyo Mew Mew'', Maurice "Twister" Rodriguez in ''Rocket Power'', Judy Neutron in ''The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius'', Bunnie Rabbot in ''Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series), Sonic the Hedgehog'').
* July 15:
**Forest Whitaker, American actor, producer, director, and activist (voice of Lonnie Brewster in ''Everyone's Hero'', Ira in ''Where the Wild Things Are (film), Where the Wild Things Are'', Ernest in ''Ernest and Celestine'', the Turlingtons in ''American Dad!'', Saw Gerrera in ''Star Wars Rebels'').
**Bill White (comics), Bill White, American animator and comics artist (Spümcø, Walt Disney Company, DiC Entertainment), (d. 2012).
* July 23:
** David Kaufman (actor), David Kaufman, American voice actor (voice of the title characters in '' Danny Phantom'' and ''Stuart Little (TV series), Stuart Little'', Jimmy Olsen in the DC Animated Universe, Dexter Douglas in ''Freakazoid!'', Marty McFly in ''Back to the Future (TV series), Back to the Future'', Human Torch in '' The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes'', Aldrin Pesky in ''The Buzz on Maggie'', Steven Seagull in the ''Animaniacs'' episode "Miami Mama-Mia").
** Woody Harrelson, American actor and playwright (voice of Roy Arnie in ''Free Jimmy'', Jake in ''Free Birds'', Woody Boyd in ''The Simpsons'' episode "Fear of Flying (The Simpsons), Fear of Flying").
** Felix Dexter, English actor, comedian and writer (voice of Vulture and Hare in ''Tinga Tinga Tales''), (d. 2013).
* July 28: Gene Laufenberg, American television producer and writer (''Duckman'', ''Pinky and the Brain'', ''Family Guy'', ''Spidey and His Amazing Friends'', ''Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese'').
* July 30: Laurence Fishburne, American actor (voice of Thrax in ''Osmosis Jones'', narrator in ''TMNT (film), TMNT'', Seko the Zebra in ''Khumba'', the Beyonder in ''Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur'').
* Specific date unknown: Daniel St. Pierre, American film director (''Everyone's Hero'', ''Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return''), art director, (''Tarzan (1999 film), Tarzan''), voice actor, animator, (Filmation), and musician.

August

* August 4:
** Chris Landreth, American animator (''Ryan (film), Ryan'').
** Lauren Tom, American voice actress (voice of Amy Wong in ''Futurama'', Dana Tan in ''Batman Beyond'', Numbuh 3 in ''Codename: Kids Next Door'', Jinx (DC Comics), Jinx and Gizmo (DC Comics), Gizmo in ''Teen Titans'' and ''Teen Titans Go!'', Princess Su in ''Mulan II'', Minh and Connie Souphanousinphone in ''King of the Hill'', Zyx in ''Legion of Super Heroes (TV series), Legion of Super Heroes'', Angela Chen in ''Superman: The Animated Series'', Yoshiko in ''Kim Possible'').
** Barack Obama, American politician and 44th president of the United States (producer of ''Ada Twist, Scientist (TV series), Ada Twist, Scientist'' and ''We the People (2021 TV series), We the People'').
* August 5: Tawny Kitaen, American actress, model and media personality (voice of Annabelle in ''Eek! The Cat''), (d. 2021).
* August 7: Maggie Wheeler, American actress (voice of Trinette McGoon in ''Archer (2009 TV series), Archer'', Melodia in ''SilverHawks'', Antiope (character), Antiope in the ''Justice League (TV series), Justice League'' episode "Fury", Dr. Renton in the ''Kim Possible'' episode "Motor Ed").
* August 8:
** The Edge, English-born Irish musician and member of U2 (voiced himself in ''The Simpsons'' episode "Trash of the Titans", performed the first theme of ''The Batman (TV series), The Batman'').
** Natatcha Estébanez, Puerto Rican-born American television producer (''Postcards from Buster''), (d. 2007).
* August 9: Ted Stearn, American comics artist, animator, storyboard artist (''Beavis and Butt-Head Do America'', ''Daria'', ''Downtown (1999 TV series), Downtown'', ''Drawn Together'', ''King of the Hill'', ''Squirrel Boy'', ''Sit Down, Shut Up (2009 TV series), Sit Down, Shut Up'', ''Futurama'', ''Rick and Morty'', ''Animals.'') and director (''Daria'', ''Beavis and Butt-Head''), (d. 2019).
* August 13: Dawnn Lewis, American actress (voice of Carol Freeman in ''Star Trek: Lower Decks'', Lela in ''Kid 'n Play'', Terri Lee in ''Spider-Man (1994 TV series), Spider-Man'', Sheeva in ''Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm'', Di Archer in ''Bruno the Kid'', Sharona Johnson in ''King of the Hill'', LaBarbera Conrad in ''Futurama'', Bessie in ''Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Great Adventure'', Sonja Briggs in ''Heavy Gear: The Animated Series'', Carolyn Baker in ''Holly Hobbie & Friends'', The Boss' Wife in ''The Life & Times of Tim'', Malora in ''Strange Frame: Love & Sax'', Maybelle Mundy in ''Bunyan and Babe'', Jeanette in ''Bravest Warriors'', April McStuffins in ''Doc McStuffins'', Fannie Granger in ''Spirit Riding Free'', Mrs. Parker in '' Curious George'', Patty, Cinnamon Bun, Croissant and Hot Tea in ''Apple & Onion'', Chief in ''Carmen Sandiego (TV series), Carmen Sandiego'', Professor Klabrax V in ''Cleopatra in Space (TV series), Cleopatra in Space'', Groomer, Lauren, Gnarled Seagull and The Very Old One in ''HouseBroken'', Jackie Washington in ''Karma's World'', Brickhouse in the ''Static Shock'' episode "Army of Darkness").
* August 20: Tuck Tucker, American animator (Filmation, ''The Little Mermaid (1989 film), The Little Mermaid'', ''The Simpsons'', ''Rugrats'', ''The Ren & Stimpy Show''), storyboard artist (''ALF: The Animated Series'', ''Alf Tales'', ''2 Stupid Dogs'', Klasky Csupo, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Cartoon Network Studios, '' Looney Tunes'', ''Family Guy'', ''All Hail King Julien''), sheet timer (''Clarence (American TV series), Clarence''), writer (''SpongeBob SquarePants'', ''Camp Lazlo'') and director (Nickelodeon Animation Studio, ''Drawn Together''), (d. 2020).
* August 21:
** Eric Darnell, American animator, writer, producer and director ( DreamWorks Animation).
** Stephen Hillenburg, American animator, writer, artist, cartoonist and marine biologist (writer and director of ''Rocko's Modern Life'', creator of ''SpongeBob SquarePants''), (d. 2018).
** Stephen Stanton, American voice actor and visual effects artist (voice of Grand Moff Tarkin in the ''Star Wars'' franchise, AP-5 and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ben Kenobi in ''Star Wars Rebels'', Sleepy in ''The 7D'', Tomax and Xamot in ''G.I. Joe: Renegades'', Pigeon Man in ''Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie'', Smitty and Needleman in ''Monsters at Work'', Pete Puma in ''Looney Tunes Cartoons'').
* August 23: Nik Ranieri, Canadian-American animator (''The Raccoons'', Walt Disney Animation Studios, ''The Simpsons'').
* August 25: Kirk Benson, American film editor (''King of the Hill'', ''American Dad!'', ''The Cleveland Show'', ''Family Guy''), (d. 2021).
* August 27: Tim Johnson (film director), Tim Johnson, American animator, writer, producer and director ( DreamWorks Animation).
* Specific date unknown: Stanley Townsend, Irish actor (voice of Victor Hugo, Vladimir Trunkov, and Ivan in ''Cars 2'').

September

* September 1: Bob Schooley, American recording assistant (DIC Entertainment), television writer (DIC Entertainment, Disney Television Animation) and producer (''The Penguins of Madagascar'', ''Monsters vs. Aliens (TV series), Monsters vs. Aliens'', co-creator of ''Kim Possible'').
* September 2: Ron Wasserman, American musician (''X-Men: The Animated Series'').
* September 6: Bruce W. Smith, American animator, character designer, film director, and television producer (creator of ''The Proud Family'').
* September 11:
** E.G. Daily, American voice actress and singer (voice of Tommy Pickles in ''Rugrats'', Buttercup in ''The Powerpuff Girls'').
** Virginia Madsen, American actress and filmmaker (voice of Cleopatra in ''Scooby-Doo! in Where's My Mummy?'', Hippolyta (DC Comics), Hippolyta in ''Wonder Woman (2009 film), Wonder Woman'', Silver Sable in ''Spider-Man: The New Animated Series'', Roulette (DC Comics), Roulette in ''Justice League Unlimited'', Arella in the ''Teen Titans'' episode "The Prophecy", Commander Heera in the ''Voltron: Legendary Defender'' episode "Hole in the Sky", Sarah Corwin in the ''Justice League (TV series), Justice League'' episode "The Brave and the Bold").
* September 15:
** Dan Marino, American former football quarterback (voice of Garth Sinew in ''The Magic School Bus (TV series), The Magic School Bus'' episode "Works Out", himself in ''The Simpsons'' episode "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday").
** Colin McFarlane, English actor (voice of Chief in ''The Queen's Corgi'', Beresford in ''Thomas & Friends'', Sergeant Slipper in ''Dennis and Gnasher (1996 TV series), Dennis and Gnasher'', JJ and Skip in ''Bob the Builder'', Belly-Up in ''Zack & Quack'', Sparkle in ''Mike the Knight'', Malcolm Williams in ''Fireman Sam'').
* September 16: Jen Tolley, American-Canadian actress.
* September 18: James Gandolfini, American actor and producer (voice of Carol in ''Where the Wild Things Are (film), Where the Wild Things Are''), (d. 2013).
* September 21: Nancy Travis, American actress (voice of Bernice, Beatrice, Beverly and Grandma-ma Sophia in ''Duckman'', Grelch in ''Aaahh!!! Real Monsters'', Spencer in ''The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest'' episode "Rage's Burning Wheel", Darci Mason in the ''Superman: The Animated Series'' episode "Obsession", Cat in ''The Wild Thornberrys'' episode "Queen of Denial").
* September 22:
** Bradley Carow, American film editor (Nickelodeon Animation Studio), track reader (Warner Bros. Animation, ''Timon & Pumbaa (TV series), Timon & Pumbaa'', ''House of Mouse'', Cartoon Network Studios) and composer (''SpongeBob SquarePants'', ''Poochini'').
** Bonnie Hunt, American actress and comedian (voice of Sally Carrera in the ''Cars (franchise), Cars'' franchise, Dolly in the ''Toy Story (franchise), Toy Story'' franchise, Tilly in ''Sofia the First'', Rosie in ''A Bug's Life'', Ms. Flint in the ''Monsters, Inc. (franchise), Monsters, Inc.'' franchise, Bonnie Hopps in ''Zootopia'').
* September 23: Chi McBride, American actor (voice of Nick Fury in ''Avengers Assemble (TV series), Avengers Assemble'', ''Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series), Ultimate Spider-Man'', ''Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.'', and the ''Phineas and Ferb'' episode "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel", Jefferson Smith in ''Max Steel (2000 TV series), Max Steel'', Mike in ''God, the Devil and Bob'', Metcalf in ''Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe'').
* September 24: Michael Tavera, American composer ( Hanna-Barbera, DIC Entertainment, Universal Cartoon Studios, ''Toonsylvania'', Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Mike Young Productions, Disney Television Animation, ''Time Squad'', Warner Bros. Animation, ''The Secret Saturdays'', ''Max Steel (2013 TV series), Max Steel'', ''Monsuno'', ''The Awesomes'', ''Guardians of the Galaxy (TV series), Guardians of the Galaxy'', ''Star Wars Resistance'', ''The Bug Diaries'') and orchestrator (''Captain N: The Game Master'', ''The New Adventures of He-Man'', ''Sabrina: The Animated Series'').
* September 25: Heather Locklear, American actress (portrayed Dusty Tails in ''Looney Tunes: Back in Action'', voice of Lisa Clark in the ''Batman: The Animated Series'' episode "Prophecy of Doom", Peggy Donovan in the ''King of the Hill'' episode "Old Glory").
* September 30: Michael Preister, American television writer (''Johnny Test'').

October

* October 1: Steve Purcell, American cartoonist and animator (Pixar, creator of ''Sam & Max'').
* October 4: Kazuki Takahashi, Japanese manga artist (creator of ''Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, Yu-Gi-Oh!''), (d. 2022).
* October 10: Jodi Benson, American actress and singer (voice of Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Ariel in ''The Little Mermaid (franchise), The Little Mermaid'' franchise, ''House of Mouse'', ''Sofia the First'', ''Ralph Breaks the Internet'', and ''Once Upon a Studio'', the title characters in ''P.J. Sparkles'' and ''Thumbelina (1994 film), Thumbelina'', Tula in ''The Pirates of Dark Water'', Belle in ''A Christmas Carol (1997 film), A Christmas Carol'', Ann Darrow in ''The Mighty Kong'', Helen of Troy in ''Hercules (1998 TV series), Hercules'', Barbie in the ''Toy Story (franchise), Toy Story'' franchise, Asenath in '' Joseph: King of Dreams'', Lady in ''Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure'', Jenna in ''Balto II: Wolf Quest'', Lenee in ''Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe in Santa'', Captain Torelli and Princess Incense in ''Duck Dodgers (TV series), Duck Dodgers'', Anita Ratcliffe in ''101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure'', Lastelle's Mother in ''Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (film), Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind'', Patsy Smiles, Ms. Jane Doe and Almondine in ''Camp Lazlo'', Queen Emmaline in ''Sofia the First'', Amber O'Malley in the ''Pepper Ann'' episode "Green-Eyed Monster", Aquagirl in the ''Batman Beyond'' episode "The Call", Diana in the ''Clarence (American TV series), Clarence'' episode "The Tails of Mardrynia", Tammy Gobblesworth in ''The Loud House'' episode "Flip This Flip").
* October 16: Robert F. Hughes, American animator, storyboard artist (''Phineas and Ferb'', ''Bunnicula (TV series), Bunnicula'', ''Where's Waldo? (2019 TV series), Where's Waldo?'', ''Tom and Jerry in New York''), sheet timer (''The Critic'', Klasky Csupo, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, ''Recess: School's Out'', ''Family Guy'', ''The Proud Family Movie'', ''Ben 10 (2005 TV series), Ben 10'', ''Phineas and Ferb'', ''Farzar''), writer (''Phineas and Ferb'', ''Bunnicula (TV series), Bunnicula'', ''Tom and Jerry in New York''), producer (''Phineas and Ferb'', ''Milo Murphy's Law'') and director (''Rocko's Modern Life'', ''The Angry Beavers'', ''The Fantastic Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor'', ''Evil Con Carne'', ''The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy'', ''Phineas and Ferb'', ''Bunnicula (TV series), Bunnicula'', ''Milo Murphy's Law'', ''Mira, Royal Detective'').
* October 19: Simon Wells, English animator (''Who Framed Roger Rabbit''), storyboard artist ( DreamWorks Animation, ''Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return'', ''Sausage Party'', ''The Lego Ninjago Movie'', ''Michael Jackson's Halloween'', ''Smallfoot (film), Smallfoot''), writer (''Mars Needs Moms'') and director (Amblimation, ''The Prince of Egypt'', ''Mars Needs Moms'').
* October 25: Chad Smith, American musician, drummer and member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (voiced himself in ''The Simpsons'' episode "Krusty Gets Kancelled").
* October 26: John A. Davis, American film director, writer, animator, actor and composer (creator of Jimmy Neutron (franchise), ''Jimmy Neutron'', founder of DNA Productions).
* October 30: Larry Wilmore, American comedian, writer, producer and actor (voice of Principal Larry in ''Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero'', co-creator of ''The PJs'').

November

* November 1: Rick Zieff, American actor (voice of Spike and Tyke (characters), Spike the Dog in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 TV series), ''The Tom and Jerry Show'', Mr. Nervous and Mr. Nosy in ''The Mr. Men Show'').
* November 4:
** Jeff Probst, American television host and producer (voice of Vice Principal Raycliff in ''Fillmore!'', himself in the ''Family Guy'' episode "Petey IV").
** Ralph Macchio, American actor (voice of Timmy in ''The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue'', Daniel LaRusso in the ''Robot Chicken'' episode "Caffeine-Induced Aneurysm").

* November 7: Chris Lang, British television writer, actor, producer and musician (voice of Pigling Bland in ''The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends'', Tiger, Jake, Pig, Arnold, The Bleeper People, Ghost and Mr. Frog in ''Kipper (TV series), Kipper'', Animals in ''Percy the Park Keeper'').
* November 14: D. B. Sweeney, American actor (voice of Aladar in ''Dinosaur (2000 film), Dinosaur'', Sitka in ''Brother Bear'', Aang in ''The Legend of Korra'').
* November 19: Meg Ryan, American actress (voice of Dr. Blight in ''Captain Planet and the Planeteers'', Anya (Anastasia), the title character in ''Anastasia (1997 film), Anastasia'', Dr. Swanson in ''The Simpsons'' episode "Yokel Chords").
* November 23: Andy Knight, Canadian animator, film and television director and actor (creator of ''Ned's Newt'', ''Pig City (TV series), Pig City'' and ''Get Ed''), (d. 2008).
* November 26: Wes Archer, American animation director and storyboard artist (''The Simpsons'', ''Futurama'', ''King of the Hill'', ''Bob's Burgers'', ''Rick and Morty'', ''Disenchantment (TV series), Disenchantment'').
* November 27: Steve Oedekerk, American actor, comedian, director, editor, producer, and screenwriter (''Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius'', ''Barnyard (film), Barnyard'').
* November 28: Martin Clunes, English actor, comedian, director and television presenter (voice of the title characters in ''Kipper (TV series), Kipper'' and ''Merlin the Magical Puppy'', Stripy in ''Little Robots'', Dog in ''Room on the Broom (film), Room on the Broom'').
* November 29: Tom Sizemore, American actor (voice of Metamorpho, Rex Mason / Metamorpho in the ''Justice League (TV series), Justice League'' episode "Metamorphosis"), (d. 2023).
* Specific date unknown: Kay Benbow, British television executive (CBeebies), (d. 2024).

December

* December 2: Ken Keeler, American television producer and writer (''The Critic'', ''The Simpsons'', ''The PJs'', ''Futurama'', ''Disenchantment (TV series), Disenchantment'').
* December 16: LaChanze, American actress, singer, and dancer (voice of Terpsichore in the ''Hercules (franchise), Hercules'' franchise).
* December 21: Stephen Shea, American former child actor (voice of Linus van Pelt in ''Play It Again, Charlie Brown'', ''Snoopy Come Home'', ''You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown'', ''There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown'', ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'', ''It's a Mystery, Charlie Brown'', ''It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown'' and ''Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown'').
* December 24:
** Spike Brandt, American animator, producer, director, screenwriter, and actor (Warner Bros. Animation).
** Wade Williams, American actor (voice of Two-Face in ''Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (film), Batman: The Dark Knight Returns'', Killer Croc in ''Beware the Batman'', Black Mask (character), Black Mask in ''Batman: Under the Red Hood'', Deegan in ''Green Lantern: Emerald Knights'', Perry White in ''Superman: Unbound'', Mantis (DC Comics), Mantis in the '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'' episode "Cry Freedom Fighters!").

Specific date unknown

* Teresa Drilling, American animator, director, and designer (''Claymation Comedy of Horrors'', ''Chicken Run'', ''Elf (film), Elf, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Creature Comforts,'' the ''Community (TV series), Community'' episode "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas", ''The Simpsons'' episode "Angry Dad: The Movie").
* John Statema, American comic book artist, illustrator, storyboard artist, and character designer (''The Angry Beavers'', ''Jackie Chan Adventures'').
* Juraj Korda, Australian animator (''Li'l Elvis and the Truckstoppers'', ''John Callahan's Quads!'', ''Dogstar (TV series), Dogstar''), (d. 2007).

Deaths

January

* January 16: Joseph Dubin, American composer (Walt Disney Animation Studios), dies at age 60.

February

* February 18: Cliff Nazarro, American actor (voice of Eddie Cackler in ''Slap-Happy Pappy''), dies at age 57.
* February 27: Nate Collier, American animator, illustrator and comics artist, dies at age 77.

July

* July 28: Noburo Ofuji, Japanese filmmaker and animator, dies at age 61.

November

* November 28: Arthur Melbourne-Cooper, British filmmaker and stop-motion animation pioneer, dies at age 87.
* Specific date unknown: Hy Hirsh, American photographer and film director, dies at age 59 or 60.

See also

*1961 in anime

Sources

External links

Animated works of the year
listed in the IMDb

{{Years of animation

1961 in animation,