The American Oscar-winning illustrator, animator, producer, and director Gene Deitch passes away. He was 95. Gene Deitch is a big name behind our much-loved cartoon series Tom and Jerry and Popeye The Sailor. Born in Chicago on August 8, 1924, Gene along with his family moved to California in 1929. For those who don’t know, Gene Deitch has directed 13 episodes Tom and Jerry and also some of the Popeye the Sailor. No matter how old are you, but we at some point of our life have been a big fan of Tom and Jerry and Popeye The Sailor.
If the latest reports are anything to go by Gene passed away in his apartment in Czech Prague on April 19, 2020. Reportedly, the cause of his death is yet to be confirmed. However, his publisher, Petr Himmel, took to social media and confirmed the news, saying Gene died unexpectedly. Ever since the news of his death surfaced on the internet, his fans have been heartbroken. Fans of his work are taking to social media to pay their condolences.
A user wrote, “i’m so disheartened to hear about gene deitch. may he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to be honored for decades to come.” Another said, “Gene Deitch's forgotten theatrical series "Nudnik" showcases his skills in character acting and distinctive styles. Here's Nudnik trying (and failing) to make breakfast”
Oscar-winning Tom and Jerry director Gene Deitch dies aged 95 at his apartment in Prague rip our childhood hero pic.twitter.com/eAfj89ak0w
— WaQar Ameer Sathio (@Bolo_WaQar) April 19, 2020
Thank you for an awesome child hood Gene Deitch. Tom and Jerry were some of the first cartoons I enjoyed with my family as a kid. #RIPGeneDeitch pic.twitter.com/3GxiXFgcDX
— 🔞The Official Tiresome Tom🎨 (@Tiresome_Tom) April 19, 2020
A netizen also said, “it makes me so happy that Gene Deitch is finally getting the attention he deserved. he was so much more than the "Tom & Jerry" reputation he built up. he'll forever be missed #RIPGeneDeitch”
i’m so disheartened to hear about gene deitch. may he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to be honored for decades to come pic.twitter.com/mJxvOFbDTT
— pig & duck nip-n-tuck (@daffyduckaroo) April 17, 2020
May his soul Rest In Peace!
R.I.P Gene Deitch. You lived the artist life and impacted countless generations. It’ll never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/41WVYgaIrl
— Chase "Woke Radical" Pritchard (@C_A_P_) April 17, 2020
Images Source: twitter/dee_bax