The longest-tenured employee at Disney and a true legend of the brand, Burny Mattinson, died Monday at the age of 87, according to a statement from the company.
Mattinson passed away at Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California, after a brief illness, the statement reads. The famous animator, director, producer and story artist worked at Walt Disney Animation Studios for an unprecedented 70 years and was the longest-serving employee in the company’s history. He was slated to receive the first-ever 70th anniversary award June 4.
Burny Mattinson, a Disney Legend, animator, director, producer, story artist, and the longest-serving cast member in the history of The Walt Disney Company, has died at the age of 87. https://t.co/7VLdytfeg2 pic.twitter.com/ODMys82kIH
— IGN (@IGN) February 28, 2023
Mattinson began his career as a Disney animator in 1955, when he worked on “Lady and the Tramp,” according to People.
His seven-decade career with the company included a number of achievements and accolades. Mattinson was the sole director of the animated featurette “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” in 1983, and he also produced and co-directed the 1986 film “The Great Mouse Detective,” according to The Walt Disney Company.
Mattinson’s peers adored him and respected him for his many contributions to the brand and the industry, the statement continued.
“Burny’s artistry, generosity, and love of Disney Animation and the generations of storytellers that have come through our doors, for seven decades, has made us better—better artists, better technologists, and better collaborators,” Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee said, according to the statement.
“All of us who have had the honor to know him and learn from him will ensure his legacy carries on,” she continued. (RELATED: Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, Woman Who Reportedly Inspired ‘Coco’ Character Mama Coco, Dies At 109)
Mattinson gained Disney Legend status in 2008, and surpassed the longevity record of a previous employee in March 2018. Disney artist John Hench had worked with the company for 64 years, eight months and 29 days, according to the statement.
Mattinson spoke about his expansive career when he made it to the half-century milestone.
“I mean, 50 years is a long time, but I still feel like that 18-year-old kid that came here back in ’53, you know? I never feel like I’ve gotten old,” he said at the time.
Mattinson is survived by his wife, Ellen Siirola; his son, Brett Mattinson, and Brett’s wife, Kelly; his daughter, Genny, and her husband, Larry Ellena; and his four grandchildren, according to the statement.