Barry Caldwell, animator and director of the comic book series “Animaniacs” and the movie “Osmosis Jones,” has died. He was 68 years old.
News of his death was confirmed in a Facebook post shared by colleague, friend, and fellow animator Paul Dini, who was informed of Caldwell’s death by animator and art director Dan Haskett.
“Barry Caldwell was one of the first animation artists I met when I started my career out of school, around 1980. He was also one of the finest artists I’ve ever met, and definitely one of the best. “His talent as a cartoonist, designer and director was respected throughout the industry,” Dini wrote, going on to describe Caldwell as “a gentle giant who I fell in love with from the moment I met him” and “I knew more about him.” Even though he was more interested in comics than you or I (trust me on this one), he was still incredibly generous with his time and talent. ”
“Barry was admired, admired and loved by just about everyone, myself included. There are so many reasons why I can’t list them here. He will be missed, Parry.”
Caldwell’s art career began in 1980 with an episode of “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,” and he went on to work as a storyboard artist on TV series such as “The Adventures of Zorro,” “Blackstar,” “The Tom & Jerry Comedy Show,” “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” “The Smurfs,” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” In the 2000s, Caldwell continued to work on popular series such as “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Kim Possible,” among others. He also worked on films such as 2001’s “Ozmosis Jones,” “The Tigger Movie,” “Mulan II” and “Curious George.”
Caldwell was born in New York City on June 19, 1957, attended the School of Visual Arts, and later worked at Warner Bros. Animation, Walt Disney Television Studios, and DreamWorks.
