Michael Webster, who established Walt Disney's television animation
division in 1984, passed away at the age 60 following a long battle with
multiple sclerosis. On Saturday, January 29, 2000, Mr. Webster succumbed to
complications from pneumonia at his home in Port Townsend, Washington,
U.S.A. During his 42 year tenure, Webster created the Walt Disney
Television Animation division and served as its senior VP until his
retirement in 1992. He oversaw production of the Emmy-winning NEW
ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH and many other shows, including DUCKTALES,
DISNEY'S ADVENTURES OF THE GUMMI BEARS, DISNEY'S WUZZLES, GOOF TROOP,
DARKWING DUCK, CHIP 'N' DALE'S RESCUE RANGERS and cartoon series based on
the Disney features THE LITTLE MERMAID and ALADDIN. A Los Angeles native,
Webster's interest in animation grew after visiting Disney Studios as a
10-year-old boy. In 1957, at age 18, Webster got his start in the industry
at Quartet Films, where he moved up the ranks from cleanup man to assistant
animator working with legendary animator Art Babbitt. Afterwards, he moved
to Hanna-Barbera, where he worked on programs like THE FLINTSTONES. Webster
also worked on a series of animated commercials for Murakami Wolf Films
featuring such characters as Kellogs' Tony the Tiger, Sunkist's Charlie the
Tuna and the Jolly Green Giant. Prior to Disney, Webster spent 7 years
producing commercials for Leo Burnett Advertising. Webster is survived by
his wife of 20 years, Lynne, as well as four children and two grandsons.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
