Bill Melendez, the animator who gave life to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other “Peanuts” characters in scores of movies and TV specials, has died. He was 91.
Melendez died of natural causes Tuesday at St. John’s Health Center, according to publicist Amy Goldsmith. Melendez’s nearly seven decades as a professional animator began in 1938 when he was hired by Walt Disney Studios and worked on Mickey Mouse cartoons and classic animated features such as “Pinocchio” and “Fantasia.” Yahoo
These were the cartoon’s I’d rush home to watch after school. I’d take the T.V. Guide and highlight all the shows and times so I wouldn’t miss them. Personally, I feel I had the privilege of growing up in the greatest decade of animated television. I can’t see any of the cartoons of this generation coming close to the stuff we had back in our day.
G.I. Joe
“A Real American Hero” It was America vs. The COBRA Organization. The most memorable character for me was Cobra Commander. That eerie laugh of his is unforgettable and recognizable anywhere. The infamous Dreadnocks from the swamps were pretty cool as well and I think it was Zartan who could blend in with the swamp?? Let’s not forget Golobulus and the Cobra La faction. Golobulus’s flying bodyguard Nemesis Enforcer was a beast! He kicked major tail until he met up with Sgt. Slaughter who I thought was overrated! lol. Other favorites of mine included Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Roadblock, Gung-Ho, Mercer, Tunnel Rat, Destro, and all COBRA’s Viper teams. Ninja looking soldiers were just too damn cool!