“While many people grew up watching Popeye and “Tom and Jerry” or had their children watch them all the time, just a few were aware of the genius behind them. Merril Deitch, better known as Gene Deitch, was an American illustrator, animator, comic artist, and film director. He was also responsible for the animated cartoons Munro, Tom Terrific, and Nudnik.
Deitch spent the majority of his life in Prague, where he moved in 1959 when Rembrandt Films agreed to support Munro. He lived there his entire life and died unexpectedly on April 16, 2020, at the age of 95. Artists from around the world have filled the Internet with heartfelt tributes to the late illustrator.
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While you may not recognize Gene Deitch’s name, you are undoubtedly familiar with his work. It’s reasonable to assume that few people are unfamiliar with Tom & Jerry or Popeye, and Deitch served as a flagship designer for both.
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Before becoming a key player in American animation, Deitch worked as a draftsman for North American Aviation before being recruited by the American army as a pilot during World War II. When the war ended, he returned to drawing and was discovered by Disney, who requested him to become the artistic director of United Productions of America.
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Despite his achievements in America, he made the brave decision to relocate to Prague, Czech Republic, after Rembrandt Films agreed to sponsor his short film, Munro. He moved to the company’s headquarters in Prague in 1959.
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Gee Deitch won the Oscar for best animated short in 1960, proving that the move was well worth it. Following his breakthrough, he was granted the opportunity to direct 13 episodes of Tom and Jerry, which were heavily condemned by viewers at the time.
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