Animator Mark Gustafson, who co-directed Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, has passed away at the age of 64. Gustafson won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature for his work on the film in 2023 and was also the animation director on Wes Anderson’s 2009 film Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Del Toro confirmed the animator’s death on social media, describing Gustafson as a “pillar of stop motion animation, a true artist, a compassionate, sensitive and mordantly witty man. A legend – and a friend that inspired and gave hope to all around him.”
Pinocchio, which was situated in Fascist-run Italy following World War I, saw Geppetto carve the titular ‘boy’ from a tree planted by his son’s grave. Gustafson’s work in stop motion animation began in the 1980s, specialising in claymation. The animator is survived by his wife, Jennifer.
“He leaves behind a Titanic legacy of animation that goes back to the very origins of Claymation and that shaped the career and craft of countless animators”, Del Toro added. “He leaves friends and colleagues and a historic filmography. Prayers and thoughts go to his beloved wife, Jennifer.”
In addition to its Oscar win, Pinocchio also picked up a Golden Globe Award during its 2023 awards season
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