Disney’s Longest-Serving Cast Member and Disney Legend Has Died

The Walt Disney Company has lost one of its most loyal and prolific minds. It’s sad news from the world of Disney today—Disney’s longest-serving Cast Member and Disney Legend, Burny Mattinson, died at 87. Mattinson had an incredible career with the Walt Disney Company that spanned over 70 years. As shared by Disney themselves, the former Cast Member, legendary Disney animator, and storyteller passed away on Monday, February 27, at Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California, following a short illness.

Mattinson’s story is an amazing one. As a child, his mother took him to watch Disney’s Pinocchio, where his love for animation and story-telling started. “Ever since I saw that film, this was my dream—to work in this business,” Mattinson once recalled, per Disney. He worked every day, practicing and perfecting his drawing so that he could one day join the Walt Disney Company.  His career started in the mailroom, and then six months later, he was promoted to an in-betweener for the movie Lady and the Tramp, and it just kept going.

Mattinson has worked with Disney legends like Marc Davis, Eric Larson, and Ollie Johnston, Academy Award-winning Disney director Don Hall, and more; his portfolio of work runs the gamut and includes some of the most popular Disney movies there are. Think Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color television series (1961-1979), The Sword in the Stone, Mary Poppins (1964), The Jungle Book, The Aristocats (1970), Aladdin (1992), Robin Hood (1973), The Lion King (1994), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Tarzan (1997), Mulan (1998), and Big Hero 6 (2014).

His solo directing credits include Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983), and he co-directed the 1986 feature, The Great Mouse Detective, based on the book “Basil of Baker Street,” which draws on the classic tradition of Sherlock Holmes.

Mattinson was remembered and honored in a thoughtful video from Disney Animation as well:

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of beloved Disney Legend, Director, and Story Artist Burny Mattinson. You made our world a happier place and inspired generations of artists with your heart, humor, and storytelling. Thank you for your legacy, Burny. pic.twitter.com/FLTjxcfw5X

— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) February 27, 2023

The former Cast Member was respected and loved by his colleagues. From Jennifer Lee, the chief creative officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, “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. All of us who have had the honor to know him and learn from him will ensure his legacy carries on.”

“Burny was the Renaissance man of Disney Animation,” legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg shared.

Disney Legend, Burny Mattinson, was due to receive his 70th-anniversary service award (the first ever) on June 4, 2023, but he, unfortunately, died before he could receive it. Disney has paid homage to him, writing up an obituary on the official company website, and has celebrated his long and illustrious career.

Mattinson is survived by his wife, Ellen Siirola; his son, Brett Mattinson, and his wife, Kelly, and their two children; and his daughter, Genny, her husband, Larry Ellena, and their two children.