Stop Motion Animator and Director Mark Gustafson Passes at 63

Oscar, Annie, Emmy, and BAFTA-winning stop-motion director and animator Mark Gustafson, best known for his work on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Meet the Raisins, and The PJs, has passed away from a heart attack. He was 63.

Condolences for the creative are already pouring out on X.

I admired Mark Gustafson, even before I met him. A pillar of stop motion animation- a true artist. A compassionate, sensitive and mordantly witty man. A Legend- and a friend that inspired and gave hope to all around him. He passed away yesterday. Today we honor and miss him. pic.twitter.com/zCmOLK70YU

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) February 2, 2024

Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Mark Gustafson, a truly legendary talent whose work will live on and on. From the California Raisins to “Fantastic Mr Fox” to @RealGDT’s “Pinocchio.” This is a huge loss. For all of us. pic.twitter.com/XHFFXUnL5M

— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) February 2, 2024

Gustafson, a longtime fixture on the Portland stop-motion scene, worked on a slew of commercials and other shows at Will Vinton Studios. He began his animation career as a student apprentice at Vinton. Throughout his time in the industry, he was known for his unique brand of humor and striking characters. Over his career, the creative was awarded a Cannes Bronze Lion, three Prime-time Emmy Awards (for VFX, writing and directing) and multiple Annie Awards.

The director won an Oscar, Annie, and BAFTA for his work alongside Guillermo del Toro on Pinocchio. He also won an Annie for directing the PJs episode, “Bougie Nights.” In addition to three Primetime Emmy nominations, he took home the award in 1992 for Claymation Easter, which he directed and co-wrote.  

AWN has reached out to numerous members of the animation community and will provide more information when made available.

Gustafson will be dearly missed.

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