Charles Solomon announced in an LATimes article that after a career spanning 70 years, Bill Melendez, beloved animator of Peanuts and voice of Snoopy, has passed away at the age of 91.
Melendez’s career extended over nearly seven decades, including stints at Walt Disney Studios, Leon Schlesinger Cartoons (which later was sold to Warner Bros.), United Productions of America and Playhouse Pictures. In 1964, he established Bill Melendez Productions, where he created his best-known works, including the holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965). Over the years, his films were honored with two additional prime-time Emmys, three National Cartoonist Society awards, a Clio Award and 150 awards for commercials.
Cartoon Brew’s Jerry Beck also posted about Melendez’s death, and commented
Melendez has gone on to do over 75 half-hour Peanuts specials, including the 1989 miniseries, all with partner Lee Mendelson. In 1979, he directed a made-for-TV animated version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Beck also posted some images of Melendez during his time at UPA, and an interview with him on youtube.
