Barry Caldwell, Animaniacs and Osmosis Jones Director, Dies at 68
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- Barry Caldwell, an animator and director known for Animaniacs (1993–98) and Osmosis Jones (2001), died at 68, as announced by colleague Paul Dini via a Facebook statement.
- Paul Dini, a longtime friend and fellow animator, said he was informed of the death by Dan Haskett and described Caldwell as 'one of the finest artists I ever met' with a rare blend of dry and warm humor.
- Caldwell was born June 19, 1957 in New York City and trained at the School of Visual Arts before launching his career with an episode of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids in 1980.
- Caldwell's 1980s résumé included storyboard work on The New Adventures of Zorro, The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Smurfs, and Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers.
- Caldwell worked across Warner Bros. Animation, Walt Disney Television Studios, DreamWorks, Filmation, and Ruby-Spears, with additional credits on Tiny Toon Adventures, Pinky and the Brain, The Tigger Movie, Kim Possible, and DreamWorks Dragons.
Why it matters: Caldwell's death removes a generation-spanning craftsman whose hand shaped Saturday morning staples from the Smurfs to Kim Possible. Dini's tribute underscores that his loss is felt across the tight-knit animation community, where his eye for humor and willingness to mentor were as valued as his drawing.
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