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Peanuts Animator Dies

Bill Melendez was also 'voice' of Snoopy

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 4, 2008 4:33 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The creator of the Charlie Brown TV specials and movies, one of the most popular animation franchises in entertainment history, has died at the age of 91 in Santa Monica, reports the Los Angeles Times. Jose Cuautemoc "Bill" Melendez brought the Peanuts characters to the screen and was the voice behind Snoopy's laughs, sobs and howls.

Melendez got his start at Disney and contributed to such classic films as Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi and Dumbo. His award-winning work on the Peanuts franchise includes 63 half-hour specials, five one-hour specials, the Saturday morning TV show and four feature films. He "brought his special warmth and directness to the Charles Schulz characters and
brought them to life," said an animation historian.

Peanuts animator Bill Melendez in his Sherman Oaks studio in Los Angeles. Melendez, the animator who gave life to the cartoon characters in scores of TV specials and movies, died Tuesday.
"Peanuts" animator Bill Melendez in his Sherman Oaks studio in Los Angeles. Melendez, the animator who gave life to the cartoon characters in scores of TV specials and movies, died Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Peanuts animator Bill Melendez, who gave life to the cartoon characters in scores of TV specials and movies.
"Peanuts" animator Bill Melendez, who gave life to the cartoon characters in scores of TV specials and movies.   (AP Photo)
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Bill Melendez brought his special warmth, charm and directness to the Charles Schulz characters and brought them to life.
- John Canemaker, animation historian

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Bill Melendez and prickly Schulz had bond
New York Sun

Award-winning 'Peanuts' animator dies at 91
Associated Press

 
Peanuts • Charlie Brown • Snoopy • Bill Melendez • Disney Studios • National Cartoonist Society • A Charlie Brown Christmas • A Boy Named Charlie Brown • Snoopy, Come Home • Charles Schulz

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