That's All Folks: Chuck Jones RIP

Whamo writes: "Legendary animator, Chuck Jones, creator of classic cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Road Runner, & Pepe Le Pew has died (cnn) aged 89 years. When you were a kid was there ever a better baby-sitter than several hours of Looney Tunes & Merry Melodies? Thank you, Mr. Jones for all the great memories and, respectfully, That's All Folks...." CT: I just wanted to mention that Chuck actually read Slashdot. We had a poll once where he was an option, and he was flattered that he was winning it.

Comments

Re:D*mn

[ashitaka]

He did. In a 1980 cartoon.

Unfortunately he had been shrunk down to insect size at the time.

He then holds up a sign saying: "OK wise guys, you always wanted me to catch him. Now what do I do?"

Admit it, you can just picture it...

And a little smile is spreading on your face.

Re:And the copyrights last forever

[CashCarSTAR]

Actually Chuck Jones is getting next to nothing for all the work he's done over the years. Yes let me repeat that. Next to nothing. It seems that he was one of the original artists (and he was an artist) to get slammed with a "work for hire" clause in his contract. After he was forced out of WB, he recieved very little renumeration for his years of work. However, that's not to say he died a poor man, hardly the case. He spent the last few years of his life recreating some of the classic scenes from the cartoons for sale. He made quite a pile that way. Something telling in this story I think.

Chuck is my hero 'cause he's so big and strong.

[retrosteve]

This comes from a Chuck Jones fan who went a little too far. Realizing about 10 years ago that all my favorite cartoons had been written by the same guy, I went and investigated his life. I also bought a few of his more recent signed works (he did amazing cels and giclee' art ).

Chuck Jones had an excellent wit, which you can experience in his two hilarious and informative biographies, Chuck Amuck and Chuck Reducks . His writing is dry and Mark-Twainish, with personal touches that never get *too* personal.

His recent work (he was creating Shockwave cartoons of "Thomas Timberwolf" up to this month!) is available linked from his own website.

Anyway, enough karmawhoring, I am writing this with tears in my eyes. So long and that's all folks to my last American hero.

"Well whaddya expect in an Opera? A happy ending?"

--Bugs Bunny, What's Opera, Doc?

Re:A sad, sad day

[Masem]

The print you recall is called "Speechless", and probably one of the best things that WB could have done to tribute the death of Mel Blanc. A similar work was done when F. Freling passed away, though it wasn't as catchy as the first one (most people know who Mel and Chuck are, but Freling is only well known to animation buffs).

Unfortunately, as the WB stores have all but closed up, it's doubtful that a companion piece will be made available. It would be great if they could, but...

Memorial donations to Chuck Jones foundation?

[Hobart]

Hmm, no one else seems to have mentioned this one...

On his official site, it looks like there is mentioned a Chuck Jones Foundation

"...to recognize, reward, support, and inspire continued excellence in the field of classic animation. The Foundation awards an annual Student Excellence Scholarship to a student whose work shows great potential in advancing and expanding the character animation medium."

They're also assembling an art collection for exhibition in major museums, libraries, universities, and art galleries.

(In case of /. effect)

Send your tax deductible checks to:
The Chuck Jones Foundation
17771 Mitchell
Irvine CA 92614
(949)660-7791

The Grinch...

[zoward]

I'm surprised that this thread has so many responses and no one has yet mentioned Chuck Jones' brilliant collaboration with Ted Giesel (AKA Dr. Seuss). Back before the VCR made it possible to watch your favorite stuff over and over again, I used eagerly pour over TV Guide listings around Christmastime looking for anyone who would broadcast the Grinch... *Sigh* - Rest In Peace, Chuck.