Ollie Johnston 1912-2008
I had just finished my work on the film “Ice Age”, but was let go after animation wrapped. That was my first real animation job, and I was considering leaving animation behind for good. I was really disenchanted. My friend and co-worker Tom Bisogno and I were coming up with some animated projects in our new found “free time”. I sent an email off to Frank and Ollie’s website, hoping to hear something from them (but I doubted it).
Frank Thomas invited us to stop by and talk about animation, if we were ever in the area. We booked a flight from New York to LA in short order. We wanted to head out to pitch projects anyway, and this was a great excuse to visit.
We spent the day at Franks house, arriving early in the morning. Ollie showed up around 10 am, having been at the doctor that morning for a routine checkup. We showed them the project we were working on, and both Frank and Ollie (who had aged around seven years from the time their documentary was filmed) told us great stories from their days at Disney, and then of their travels after “retirement”. Jeannette made us chicken sandwiches for lunch, and we had an amazing day.
Just before leaving, I asked them to sign two books I brought with me: “The Illusion of Life” (which was the same copy I used to teach myself animation) and the much newer book by John Canemaker, “Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation”.
Ollie signed first, near the printed illustration of Rufus. It was hard to see someone who was at one time such a master with the pencil, have such a hard time to write his own name. Ollie said “I’m sorry for my poor writing, but I can’t really do that too well anymore…”
It got really quiet in the room.
He then added: “…but Frank got his walker before I had mine.”
It got a big laugh.
Frank then grabbed the book, and said “Well, at least I can still draw!”
He then drew a small, shaky Mickey, saying “Smile.”
I still don’t know if he meant that “smile” for me, for Ollie, or if it was just supposed to be Mickey talking to Rufus, but I look at that drawing and those signatures whenever I have a rough time of it.
It’s great advice.
Smile.
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On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Thanks for sharing your incredible experience with us!
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
great post Floyd, got a big laugh out of me, which is probably one of the best ways to remember someone like Ollie.
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
I was sorry to hear of Ollie’s passing today, but had no idea you met both him and Frank. Thanks for sharing what must’ve been one memorable afternoon, Floyd. Hope you and the family are doing well.
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Wow! great story. Thanks for sharing.
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Dude, that’s an awesome little story!! All those old dudes at Disney, and there work, were such an inspiration to so many people it’s sad to see the last of them go! But like all amazing artists their work will live on forever!!
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
A great remembrance Floyd. Thanks so much for the first hand peek.
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
That was a very great post Floyd. Very inspiring.
thank you.
they are missed.
-jx
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Thanks for sharing that story. I’m sure it’s a amazingly treasured memory. We’ve lost someone great.
On April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
I enjoy that story - and it’s clearly one that has truly influenced your life. I’m sorry to hear about Ollie, but I’m sure he’s off drawing again! Just hope it’s a better studio he’s working for now
Very cool that you got to meet both of them!