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Walt Disney Studios animator and producer of films like The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Randy Fullmer, has passed away at 73. Credited with bridging the technological gap in animation between the 90s and ’00s, Fullmer’s artistic talents have been the driving force behind some of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most beloved films.
Credit: Bass Player, Flickr
Randy Fullmer’s Legacy
Getting his start with TV commercials and episodes of “Sesame Street,” Fullmer was hired by Don Bluth Studios, where he contributed to video games like “Dragon’s Lair” before moving on to Filmation. At the new studio, Fullmer worked on famous cartoons like “Ghost Busters.”
Fullmer got his Disney break in 1987 when he joined the team behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), a groundbreaking film combining animated and live-action characters. Specializing in art coordination and effects, Fullmer worked on iconic Disney films like The Little Mermaid (1989), The Lion King (1994), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), and Emperor’s New Groove (2000). His final film was Chicken Little before his Walt Disney Animation Studios retirement (2005).
Credit: Robin Broos, Flickr
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Disney Commemorates Fullmer
While fans of Fullmer in the entertainment industry mourn the loss of a beloved animator, Disney Animation shared a heartfelt tribute on social media:
In commemoration of Randy Fullmer’s life of many talents and interests, we share this iconic moment from The Emperor’s New Groove. Randy was producer for The Emperor’s New Groove and Chicken Little, and played a key role in guiding the studio through significant technological shifts in the ’90s. He bridged the artistic and technical departments in multiple films, including The Lion King, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
In commemoration of Randy Fullmer's life of many talents and interests, we share this iconic moment from The Emperor's New Groove.
Randy was producer for The Emperor's New Groove and Chicken Little, and played a key role in guiding the studio through significant technological… pic.twitter.com/vqdLABeMsy
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) July 12, 2023
Depicting one of the most iconic scenes from The Emperor’s New Groove with Kuzco and Pacha interlocking arms, the studio attributed the film’s success to Fullmer’s artistry. After he retired from Disney, Fullmer pursued his passion for making beautiful brass guitars under the brand name Wyn Guitars and captured it in a documentary he produced called Restrung.
Our hearts are with his loved ones at this time.
