John Lasseter

John Lasseter
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Name	John Lasseter
Caption	Lasseter in 2011
Birth date	12 January 1957
Birth place	Hollywood, California, U.S.
Occupation	Animator, film director, film producer, screenwriter, voice actor
Years active	1978–present
Spouse	Nancy Lasseter, 1988
Alma mater	California Institute of the Arts
Known for	Co-founder of Pixar, pioneering computer animation
Awards	2 Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, Annie Awards

John Lasseter is an American animator, filmmaker, and executive, widely recognized as a pioneering force in computer animation. He co-founded Pixar and served as its chief creative officer, leading the studio to unprecedented critical and commercial success with films like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Lasseter also played a pivotal role in revitalizing Walt Disney Animation Studios during his tenure as its principal creative advisor. His innovative work has earned him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and several Golden Globe Awards.

Early life and education

Born in Hollywood, California, his early fascination with animation was fueled by watching episodes of The Wonderful World of Disney. He began his formal art education at Pepperdine University before transferring to the fledgling Character Animation program at the California Institute of the Arts. There, he studied under legendary Disney animators like Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, creators of the seminal book The Illusion of Life. His student film, Lady and the Lamp, won the Student Academy Award and caught the attention of executives at The Walt Disney Company, leading to his first professional role.

Career at Disney and Pixar

Hired by Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1979, he worked as an animator on films like The Fox and the Hound. His growing interest in computer-generated imagery led him to collaborate with technologists at Industrial Light & Magic on a test film, The Adventures of André and Wally B.. After Disney showed little interest in the technology, he was fired, subsequently joining Lucasfilm's Computer Graphics Group, which was later purchased by Steve Jobs and renamed Pixar. At Pixar, he directed groundbreaking short films such as Luxo Jr., which earned an Academy Award nomination, and Tin Toy, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

Leadership at Pixar and Disney Animation

As Pixar's creative leader, he directed the first entirely computer-animated feature film, Toy Story, released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1995 to massive acclaim. He subsequently served as executive producer on Pixar's subsequent hits, including A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo. Following The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of Pixar in 2006, he was appointed chief creative officer of both Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as well as principal creative advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering. Under his guidance, Disney Animation experienced a major resurgence with films like Frozen and Zootopia.

Departure from Disney and later career

In 2017, he took a six-month sabbatical following allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior, and he ultimately left The Walt Disney Company in 2018. Shortly after his departure, he was appointed head of Skydance Animation, a division of Skydance Media founded by David Ellison. At Skydance, he has overseen the production of films such as Luck and Spellbound, aiming to build a new animation studio.

Personal life

He has been married to Nancy Lasseter since 1988, and the couple has five sons. A noted automotive enthusiast, his personal collection includes vehicles like a Ford Model A and he has served as a guest announcer at events for the National Hot Rod Association. His passion for cars has frequently influenced his work, most notably in the Cars franchise. He is also a dedicated supporter of the California Institute of the Arts and its animation programs.

Legacy and impact

He is universally credited with pioneering the artistic and commercial potential of computer animation, transforming it from a niche technical novelty into the dominant form of feature filmmaking. His leadership at Pixar established a culture of storytelling excellence that produced an unparalleled string of successes, influencing the entire animation industry. The foundational principles he championed in films like Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. continue to guide animators worldwide. His complex legacy, marked by both monumental artistic achievement and significant personal controversy, remains a defining chapter in the history of Hollywood. Category:American animators Category:American film directors Category:Pixar people