Well known for creating the famous character Woody Woodpecker. He was presented with a special Oscar from the Academy for bringing joy and laughter to many people.
After watching his first animated short Gertie the Dinosaur, he became inspired to create characters and design and produce his own cartoons.
In 1986, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He was married to Grace Stafford until her death in 1992.
He and Charles Dana Gibson both attended the Art Students League of New York, which he was able to attend after a wealthy benefactor paid his tuition.
