Richard Williams, Oscar-Winning Animator of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit,' Dies at 86
Richard Williams, the Oscar-winning animator of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," died Friday at the age of 86.
His family announced that Williams passed away at his home in Bristol, England. His daughter, Natasha Sutton Williams, told British media that he had been suffering from cancer.
Throughout his acclaimed career, Williams won three Oscars, three BAFTAs and more than 250 other international awards.
The Toronto-born animator and director was best known for his groundbreaking work on "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," which was the first film to blend live actors and animated characters like Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit for a seamless result. Williams earned the Oscar for Best Visual Effects and Special Achievement.
Williams also directed 1971's Oscar-winning animated feature "A Christmas Carol" and animated the title sequences for the “Pink Panther” franchise.
He directed, produced and wrote his unfinished feature film "The Thief and the Cobbler," a hand-animated epic inspired by "Arabian Nights."
Williams wrote "The Animator's Survival Kit," considered the definitive bible in the animation industry.
Williams is survived by wife Imogen Sutton and six children.