Veteran animator behind 'Sleeping Beauty' dies at 85

The maestro behind making stories coming live on screen through animation for many Walt Disney films, Dave Michener, has passed away at the age of 85.

Michener died on February 15 at his Los Angeles home due to a virus, said his wife, Donna, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

However, the news was broken to the world very recently.

During his career span of three decades with the Walt Disney Studio, the animator and story artist worked on many classics including 'The Great Mouse Detective' (1986), 'The Fox and the Hound' (1981), 'The Rescuers' (1977), 'Oliver & Company' (1988), and 'Robin Hood' (1973).

The artist was the nephew to Pulitzer Prize-winning author, James Michener. He is survived by his three daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

His fans have been pouring in their grief on social media.

A user wrote, "Very saddened about Disney Veteran #DaveMichener (far left). ????He worked on favorite films like #OneHundredandOneDalmatians, #MaryPoppins and #TheGreatMouseDetective. Thank you, Dave, for making my childhood brighter with your vivid imagination and humble self. #RIPDaveMichener".

Another user wrote, "#ripdavemichener I always had the pleasure of watching Basil The Great Mouse detective, my favorite movie of all time. Thank you so much for directing it into a masterpiece, along with your many talents".

Another user posted, "Thank you for your masterpieces - The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, & Robin Hood. They made my childhood magical! RIP #DaveMichener".

"He will be missed. :-(", wrote another user.

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