Tyrus Wong, the artist whose works inspired the Disney film Bambi,
has died at home. surrounded by family, at age 106.
A Chinese immigrant, Mr Wong’s vibrant paintings captured Walt Disney’s eye and became the basis of the film’s distinct style. In a statement, the Walt Disney Family Museum said “his influence on the artistic composition of the animated feature Bambi cannot be overstated.”
Mr Wong emigrated to the United States from China as a child, with his father – leaving behind his mother and a sister he would never see again. After studying as an artist, he began working with Disney in 1938 as an “inbetweener”, drawing hundreds of pictures between poses to create the illusion of motion.
When the film studio began pre-production on Bambi, “he went home and painted several pictures of a deer in a forest”, the Disney museum said. “Walt Disney saw that Tyrus was able to produce exquisite artwork that did not necessarily look like the forest – but rather, felt like the forest. Walt’s vision for Bambi and use of Tyrus’ work still influences films today,” it said. Tyrus Wong only worked at Disney for three years, moving to Warner Brothers as a concept artist, designing greeting cards for Hallmark on the side.
Tyrus Wong holding one of his intricately made bamboo kites on the beach
After retiring, he turned to creating hundreds of elaborate bamboo kites, received many awards in recognition of his work, and became the subject of a documentary about his life, TYRUS. Writing about his death, the documentary’s director said “with his passing, we have lost a brilliant artist, motion picture and animation legend, Chinese American pioneer, and hero. “Tyrus always faced adversity with dignity, courage, and art… he awed us with his talent, charmed us with his boyish humour, and moved us with his humility, generosity, resilience, and big heart.”
—
“the secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure.
so, you see, they’re always looking ahead to something new and exciting.
the secret is not to look back.”
– norman rockwell
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credits: walt disney studios, bbc canada, TYRUS, image copyright: sara jane boyers
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I love the art of Bambi. I read about him for the first time at the museum in San Fransisco last fall. RIP.
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oh, how cool! i have always been fascinated by this movie and how it was drawn. i’d love to see the doc about him )
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Thank you Beth ! I am intrigued by Mr. Wong!!!
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i am too )
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Very interesting
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🦌
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I heard about him on NPR (I think All Things Considered).
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Great
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Great post, very interesting
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I’m glad you enjoyed it)
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Wonderful post!
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Thank you)
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An interesting blog post. I did not know this.
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It was new to me too
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Beautiful!
>
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I love both him and his work
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I didn’t know any of this about this man who made Bambi so memorable. What an amazing life. I adore the way in which the documentary director describes Tyrus. We all should be remembered in such a positive way.
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Yes, wouldn’t that be wonderful?
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Interesting – certainly explains the animation in the film!
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It really does-
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Loved this. Such an interesting, inspiring man.
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He absolutely was
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Bambi was visually stunning. How wonderful that he went from adventure to adventure, never getting stuck endlessly repeating one tired vision.
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Yes to all of that
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thanks for sharing – it’s such a wonderful story of a committed artist and family man. I saw a great piece on him recently: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/tyrus-wongs-kites/
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how wonderful – thank you for this link )
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“The secret is not to look back.” A diluted Fountain of Youth perhaps? I enjoy many memories. Hopefully having them come to mind and heart is different than looking back. If not, I probably died several years ago and am the last to know.
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oh, i hope not, and think you are very much alive, russ. ) i took it to mean don’t look back in regret –
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Thank you for posting this. Though I grew up with those images of Bambi, I did not know of Mr. Wong – a remarkable man and career.
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you are very welcome. i think he was a fascinating man –
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Yes, I’ve heard about Mr Wong and he’s truly gifted. d=(´▽`)=b
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he really was –
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I didn’t know about this, but loved his work on Bambi!! Thanks for sharing!
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my pleasure )
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Where’ve you been, Beth? I’ve missed you. Don’t even receive your pots anymore. 😦
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i’m still here, asha. most every day. maybe try unfollowing and refollowing me? tech is crazy –
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I did just that. But what if I miss your posts again!!
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I’ll be here for a long while hopefully)
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I love Bambi! And am embarrassed to admit this, but “I didn’t know the artist’s background”….I live right here. I think maybe it’s time I venture outta my bubble and visit the Disney museum. What da ya think? ;)p
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no worries at all, i learn so many things each and every day –
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I’d never heard of Mr. Wong (or perhaps did and have since forgotten), but Bambi was one of my all-time favorites. Those early Disney films made my childhood sparkle.
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i loved bambi too, one of my favorites –
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Oh, Beth my yesterday comment didn’t come through. Now, you’ll get a muddled and rushed one!
I love knowing Mr. Tyrus Wong’s story and what a fantastic life he led. Art in all its forms will surely help us all to have enriched lives. His blessed us with the pretty and sweet enchanted artwork. His varied projects will be long remembered. The beautiful kites are such soaring testament and gifts for our eyes. Thanks for sharing this!
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It was a pleasure to find out about him )
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It was certainly a pleasure to learn about his inspiring life! 🙂
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i always loved still do…so tender…thanks for the story…have a beautiful day Beth 🙂
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me too, and you are very welcome )
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your posts make me smile…i also enjoy the teaching of young children…always makes me smile…now i have a little grandson…happy day to you and your loved ones Beth! smiles hedy 🙂
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And to you )
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This is a lovely post. The circumstances are unfortunate of course. But, as an avid Disney fan, I very much enjoy learning of those who work behind the scenes. The talent, blood, sweat, and tears that go into Disney’s projects are endless.
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all so true –
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