Disney’s Longest Serving Animator Has Died

Burny Matinson, a Disney Legend, animator, director, producer, story artist, and the longest-serving cast member in the history of The Walt Disney Company, has died at the age of 87.

Disney shared the sad news that on Monday, February 27, Burny Mattinson passed away at Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California, after fighting a “short illness.”

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of beloved Disney Legend, Director, and Story Artist Burny Mattinson. You made our world a happier place and inspired generations of artists with your heart, humor, and storytelling. Thank you for your legacy, Burny. pic.twitter.com/FLTjxcfw5X

— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) February 27, 2023

Mattinson was set to receive his 70th anniversary service award, which would have been the first given out from The Walt Disney Company, on June 4, 2023.

He was still working full-time at Disney as a story consultant and mentor before his passing, and his many credits include being the director for Mickey’s Christmas Carol, a producer and co-director for The Great Mouse Detective, and artist on Lady and the Tramp, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book, and The Rescuers, Big Hero 6, Strange World, and more.

He also was a member of the story team on Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, and Mulan. Additionally, he was the story supervisor on 2011’s Winnie the Pooh and helped on the 2007 Goofy short How to Hook Up Your Home Theater.

Mattinson was born in San Francisco, California, on May 13, 1935, and he began dreaming of working at Disney ever since he went to see Pinocchio in theaters when he was about to turn six years old.

He would draw every day to perfect his craft, and his big break came after he graduated high school when his mother drove him to Burbank one day and dropped him off at Disney’s gates.

“A kindly guard took a look at the teenager’s portfolio and called the head of the personnel department. Mattinson got an interview and a job, beginning in the mailroom. Six months later, and with no formal art training, he started work as an in-betweener on Lady and the Tramp,” the story reads.

He would continue to rise the ranks at Disney and become an integral part of many different departments. In 2008, he was honored by The Walt Disney Company and made a Disney Legend. On March 5, 2018, he set the record for the longest-serving cast member when he officially passed Disney Legend John Hench’s previous record of 64 years, eight months, and 29 days.

Mattinson is survived by his wife, Ellen Siirola, and his two children, Brett and Genny.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.