History Creator / BillMelendez

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Meléndez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Creator/CharlesMSchulz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special -- initially [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail written off as a bomb in the making]] -- was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon series, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Meléndez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as provide the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock (along with Snoopy's family in certain later specials)]].

Leon Schlesinger, producer of the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' and ''Merrie Melodies'' series for Creator/WarnerBros, snapped up Meléndez for his own studio. He initially continued on as an assistant animator before being promoted to a full-fledged animator under Creator/BobClampett, where he developed an animation style similar to that of fan favorite Rod Scribner, albeit more restrained. When Clampett left following Schlesinger's retirement, Meléndez remained with the unit, now helmed by Creator/ArtDavis, before the unit was shuttered altogether, leaving him to work under Creator/RobertMcKimson for a short time. Among his most famous ''Looney Tunes'' scenes are WesternAnimation/BugsBunny forcing Elmer Fudd into a dress and wig in ''WesternAnimation/TheBigSnooze'', the Shakespearian dog's opening rant in ''WesternAnimation/AHamInARole'', and the chorus boy scenes in ''WesternAnimation/WhatsUpDoc''.

Leon Schlesinger, producer of the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' and ''Merrie Melodies'' series for Creator/WarnerBros, snapped up Meléndez for his own studio. He initially continued on as an assistant animator before being promoted to a full-fledged animator under Creator/BobClampett, where he developed an animation style similar to that of fan favorite Rod Scribner, albeit more restrained. When Clampett left following Schlesinger's retirement, Meléndez remained with the unit, now helmed by Creator/ArtDavis, before the unit was shuttered altogether, leaving him to work under Creator/RobertMcKimson for a short time. Among his most famous ''Looney Tunes'' scenes are Bugs Bunny forcing Elmer Fudd into a dress and wig in ''WesternAnimation/TheBigSnooze'', the Shakespearian dog's opening rant in ''WesternAnimation/AHamInARole'', and the chorus boy scenes in ''WesternAnimation/WhatsUpDoc''.

Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Meléndez spent much of his early life going to school in Douglas, Arizona before attending the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, itself a predecessor of the modern-day [=CalArts=]. He went to work for Creator/{{Disney}} after graduating, working as an assistant animator on ''WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Dumbo}}'', and ''WesternAnimation/{{Bambi}}''. An early supporter of [[UsefulNotes/UnionsInHollywood unionization in Hollywood]], he sided with the Screen Cartoonists Guild in the infamous Disney strike of 1941, resulting in him and many other well-known animators being let go from the studio.

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José Cuauhtémoc "Bill" Meléndez (November 15, 1916 – September 2, 2008) was a Mexican-American animator and producer best known for bringing the ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'' gang to animation.

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Meléndez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Creator/CharlesMSchulz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special -- initially [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail written off as a bomb in the making]] -- was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon series, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Meléndez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as providing the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock, as well as Snoopy's family in certain later specials]].

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Meléndez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Creator/CharlesMSchulz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special -- initially [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail written off as a bomb in the making]] -- was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Meléndez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as providing the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock, as well as Snoopy's family in certain later specials]].

After being fired by WB animation head Eddie Selzer over political differences, Meléndez quickly found work at Creator/{{UPA}}, where he animated on some of the studio's most iconic shorts, including the UsefulNotes/AcademyAward-winning ''WesternAnimation/GeraldMcBoingBoing'', as well as directing a number of commercials. After leaving UPA, he continued to direct commercials for Playhouse Pictures and John Sutherland Productions before forming his own studio in 1963, Bill Melendez Productions, which was initially based out of his basement.

Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Meléndez spent much of his early life going to school in Douglas, Arizona before attending the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, itself a predecessor of the modern-day [=CalArts=]. He went to work for Creator/{{Disney}} after graduating, working as an assistant animator on ''WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Dumbo}}'', and ''WesternAnimation/{{Bambi}}''. An early supporter of [[UsefulNotes/UnionsInHollywood unionization in Hollywood]], he sided with the Screen Cartoonists Guild in the infamous Disney strike of 1941, resulting in him and many other well-known animators being let go.

Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Meléndez spent much of his early life going to school in Douglas, Arizona before attending the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, itself a predecessor of the modern-day [=CalArts=]. He went to work for Creator/{{Disney}} after graduating, working as an assistant animator on ''WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Dumbo}}'', and ''WesternAnimation/{{Bambi}}''. Being an early supporter of [[UsefulNotes/UnionsInHollywood unionization in Hollywood]], he sided with the Screen Cartoonists Guild in the infamous Disney strike of 1941, resulting and him and many other well-known animators being let go.

Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Melendez spent much of his early life going to school in Douglas, Arizona before attending the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, itself a predecessor of the modern-day [=CalArts=]. He went to work for Creator/{{Disney}} after graduating, working as an assistant animator on ''WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Dumbo}}'', and ''WesternAnimation/{{Bambi}}''. Being an early supporter of [[UsefulNotes/UnionsInHollywood unionization in Hollywood]], he sided with the Screen Cartoonists Guild in the infamous Disney strike of 1941, resulting and him and many other well-known animators being let go.

Leon Schlesinger, producer of the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' and ''Merrie Melodies'' series for Creator/WarnerBros, snapped up Melendez for his own studio. He initially continued on as an assistant animator before being promoted to a full-fledged animator under Creator/BobClampett, where he developed an animation style similar to that of fan favorite Rod Scribner, albeit more restrained. When Clampett left following Schlesinger's retirement, Melendez remained with the unit, now helmed by Creator/ArtDavis, before the unit was shuttered altogether, leaving him to work under Creator/RobertMcKimson for a short time. Among his most famous ''Looney Tunes'' scenes are Bugs Bunny forcing Elmer Fudd into a dress and wig in ''WesternAnimation/TheBigSnooze'', the Shakespearian dog's opening rant in ''WesternAnimation/AHamInARole'', and the chorus boy scenes in ''WesternAnimation/WhatsUpDoc''.

After being fired by WB animation head Eddie Selzer over political differences, Melendez quickly found work at Creator/{{UPA}}, where he animated on some of the studio's most iconic shorts, including the UsefulNotes/AcademyAward-winning ''WesternAnimation/GeraldMcBoingBoing'', as well as directing a number of commercials. After leaving UPA, he continued to direct commercials for Playhouse Pictures and John Sutherland Productions before forming his own studio in 1963, Bill Melendez Productions, which was initially based out of his basement.

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Melendez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Creator/CharlesMSchulz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special -- initially [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail written off as a bomb in the making]] -- was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Melendez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as providing the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock, as well as Snoopy's family in certain later specials]].

''Peanuts'' aside, Melendez was also involved with a variety of other animated specials and TV series, ranging from original productions to adaptations, including other comic strips, most notably ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', as well as a single non-''Peanuts'' feature, ''Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done''. While he directed most of his own works, he occasionally delegated directorial duties to others; one side director in particular, Phil Roman, would use the ''Garfield'' specials he directed under Melendez as the nucleus for his own studio, Creator/FilmRoman. Throughout his career, Melendez earned thirteen UsefulNotes/{{Emmy Award}} nominations for his work, winning six. He also landed an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nomination, five Grammy nominations, and two Peabody Awards for his ''Peanuts'' specials and films.

Years after his death, Creator/BlueSkyStudios would sample Melendez's voice recordings of Snoopy and Woodstock for ''WesternAnimation/ThePeanutsMovie''.

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Melendez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Creator/CharlesMSchulz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special, initially [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail written off as a bomb in the making]], was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Melendez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as providing the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock, as well as Snoopy's family in certain later specials]].

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Melendez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Creator/CharlesMSchulz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special, [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail initially written off as a bomb in the making]] was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Melendez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as providing the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock, as well as Snoopy's family in certain later specials]].

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Melendez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Creator/CharlesMSchultz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special, [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail initially written off as a bomb in the making]] was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Melendez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as providing the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock, as well as Snoopy's family in certain later specials]].

It was here that he got his big break. After previously animating the characters for Ford commercials and an unaired documentary on the strip, Bill Melendez gave the ''Peanuts'' gang their very first half-hour special, ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'', in 1965. Written by creator Charles M. Schultz and produced by Lee Meldelson, the special, [[AndYouThoughtItWouldFail initially written off as a bomb in the making]] was a massive critical and ratings hit, leading to an entire series of ''Peanuts'' specials, as well as four theatrical features, a SaturdayMorningCartoon, and a miniseries about the history of the United States of America; Melendez would produce all of these at his studio until 2006, two years before his death, [[DescendedCreator as well as providing the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock, as well as Snoopy's family in certain later specials]].

''Peanuts'' aside, Melendez was also involved with a variety of other animated specials and TV series, ranging from original productions to adaptations, including other comic strips, most notably ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', as well as a single non-''Peanuts'' feature, ''Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done''. While he directed most of his own works, he occasionally delegated directorial duties to others; one side director in particular, Phil Roman, would use the ''Garfield'' specials he directed under Melendez as the nucleus for his own studio, Creator/FilmRoman. Throughout his career, Melendez won six Primetime UsefulNotes/{{Emmy Award}}s for his work, as well as thirteen more nominations. He also landed five Grammy nominations, an Oscar nomination, and two Peabody Awards for ''Peanuts'' specials.

''Peanuts'' aside, Melendez was also involved with a variety of other animated specials and TV series, ranging from original productions to adaptations, including other comic strips, most notably ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', as well as a single non-''Peanuts'' feature, ''Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done''. While he directed most of his own works, he occasionally delegated directorial duties to others; one side director in particular, Phil Roman, would use the ''Garfield'' specials he directed under Melendez as the nucleus for his own studio, Creator/FilmRoman. Throughout his career, Melendez won six Primetime Emmy Awards for his work, as well as thirteen more nominations. He also landed five Grammy nominations, an Oscar nomination, and two Peabody Awards for ''Peanuts'' specials.

Years after his death, Creator/BlueSkyStudios would sample Melendez's voice recordings of Snoopy and Woodstock for ''WesternAnimation/ThePeanutsMovie''.

[[quoteright:315:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/bill_melendez.jpeg]]

After being fired by WB studio head Eddie Selzer over political differences, Melendez quickly found work at Creator/{{UPA}}, where he animated on some of the studio's most iconic shorts, including the UsefulNotes/AcademyAward-winning ''WesternAnimation/GeraldMcBoingBoing'', as well as directing a number of commercials. After leaving UPA, he continued to direct commercials for Playhouse Pictures and John Sutherland Productions before forming his own studio in 1963, Bill Melendez Productions, which was initially based out of his basement.

Leon Schlesinger, producer of the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' and ''Merrie Melodies'' series for Creator/WarnerBros, snapped up Melendez for his own studio. He initially continued on as an assistant animator before being promoted to a full-fledged animator under Creator/BobClampett, where he developed an animation style similar to that of fan favorite Rod Scribner, albeit more restrained. When Clampett left following Schlesinger's retirement, Melendez remained with the unit, now helmed by Creator/ArtDavis, before the unit was shuttered altogether, leaving him to work under Creator/RobertMcKimson for a short time. Among his most famous ''Looney Tunes'' scenes include Bugs Bunny forcing Elmer Fudd into a dress and wig in ''WesternAnimation/TheBigSnooze'', the Shakespearian dog's opening rant in ''WesternAnimation/AHamInARole'', and the chorus boy scenes in ''WesternAnimation/WhatsUpDoc''.

Leon Schlesinger, producer of the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' and ''Merrie Melodies'' series for Creator/WarnerBros, snapped up Melendez for his own studio. He initially continued on as an assistant animator before being promoted to a full-fledged animator under Creator/BobClampett, where he developed an animation style similar to that of fan favorite Rod Scribner, albeit more restrained. When Clampett left following Schlesinger's retirement, Melendez remained with the unit, now helmed by Creator/ArtDavis, before the unit was shuttered altogether, leaving him to work under Creator/RobertMcKimson for a short time. Among his most famous ''Looney Tunes'' scenes include Bugs Bunny forcing Elmer Fudd into a dress and wig in ''WesternAnimation/TheBigSnooze'', the Shakespearian dog's opening rant in ''Ham in a Role'', and the chorus boy scenes in ''What's Up Doc?''.

After being fired by WB studio head Eddie Selzer over political differences, Melendez quickly found work at UPA, where he animated on some of the studio's most iconic shorts, including the Academy Award-winning ''WesternAnimation/GeraldMcBoingBoing'', as well as directing a number of commercials. After leaving UPA, he continued to direct commercials for Playhouse Pictures and John Sutherland Productions before forming his own studio in 1963, Bill Melendez Productions, which was initially based out of his basement.

Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Melendez spent much of his early life going to school in Douglas, Arizona before attending the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, itself a predecessor of the modern day CalArts. He went to work for Creator/{{Disney}} after graduating, working as an assistant animator on '''WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Dumbo}}'', and ''WesternAnimation/{{Bambi}}''. Being an early supporter of [[UsefulNotes/UnionsInHollywood unionization in Hollywood]], he sided with the Screen Cartoonists Guild in the infamous Disney strike of 1941, resulting and him and many other well-known animators being let go.