"I'm always pleased by success, and I'm always surprised by it.  Why has 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' been on the air for 42 years? The longest-running, highest-rated film in the history of the medium?  I don't know the answer to that. But over the last few years, I've become very honored by that... I guess that is my legacy. Longevity is the answer for art."—Arthur Rankin Jr.

Arthur Rankin Jr. (1924-2014)

Legendary animator Arthur Rankin Jr. passed away last week at the age of 89. For over four decades, Rankin Jr., alongside his fellow producer-director Jules Bass cemented Christmas viewing for generations of children worldwide. The duo's pain-staking stop-motion, cel-animated productions brought to life beloved holiday classics like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. For any kid growing up with a Rankin and Bass classic, Rankin Jr.'s passing is hurtful news. Their features translated into hours of joy. It wasn't just the assorted (and adorable) cast of characters, the happy music, or the hopeful stories that were being told but what I loved most about a Rankin and Bass cartoon was that misfits/losers/loners and those shunned by society were spotlighted and allowed to strut their stuff. It was remarkable viewing and remains so to this day.




 



On another sad and related note, Larry D. Mann, the actor who voiced character "Yukon Cornelius" in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer passed away in January at the age of 91.