Jose Cuatemoc "Bill" Melendez, an Emmy-winning animator, director, and producer best known for the timeless Peanuts television specials, died Tuesday at the age of 91. Besides animating 1965's A Charlie Brown Christmas and many of its sequels–including 1969's big-screen feature, A Boy Named Charlie Brown–Melendez worked for Disney on Bambi, Dumbo, and Fantasia; numerous Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and Daffy Duck shorts; and scores of other animated shorts and features throughout his 70-year career. He also provided the voice of Snoopy in his Peanuts specials. L.A. Times has posted an extensive obituary detailing Melendez's life, work, and awards.
Keep scrolling for more great stories.