"We are saddened to learn today of the passing of animation historian,
author, and instructor John Culhane. John, the cousin of animator Shamus
Culhane, had been caricatured twice in Disney Animation features: as
'Mr. Snoops' in 1977's THE RESCUERS, and as the put-upon dreamer (named
'John' in the production notes and materials) in the "Rhapsody in Blue"
sequence of FANTASIA/2000. Our condolences go out to his family,
friends, and colleagues."
I got the chance to meet Mr. Culhane in August of 1999 at my first Disney Institute Animation Event. He was the host of the Q&A's before they screened one of the classic Disney films. He had such a love for animation and it showed. After one of the shows I stopped him outside the theater and asked for a picture and an autograph.
He is the cousin of Disney animator Shamus Culhane. His book "Animation: From Script to Screen" was THE FIRST book I remember reading on the craft of animation from cover to cover. It is THE BOOK that started my love for the art of animation.
I've seen Stephen Tobolowsky in countless films and TV shows. Groundhog Day, Spaceballs, HEROES, etc. Just check out his IMDB page and I'm sure you'll see something you recognize. I remember seeing this trailer when it was first released, but with it being an independent film with a limited release I knew it was going to be a while before I could watch it. But thanks to a good friend who loaned me her Amazon Prime account (Thank you, Claire), I finally was able to watch it.
A few weeks ago Stephen was interviewed on The Nerdist podcast with Chris Hardwick. It was an amazing interview. He told some amazing stories that you just couldn't believe were true. He also mentioned that he had is own podcast called The Tobolowsky Files. So I started listening to them and they are amazing! He can really tell a story that makes you feel like you are right there with him, through the good times and bad.
So for anyone who likes a good story, you need to listen to The Tobolowsky Files!!
