The amazing world of animated films is indebted to its wonderful creatures. Had it not been for them, the animated films we enjoy might not exist. One such person who had a major impact in the creation of several animated films, was Kelly Asbury. Sadly, the man has passed away at the age of 60 due to cancer.
He was known for directing films such as Shrek: 2, Beauty and The Beast, Smurfs : The Lost Village. The news of his death was confirmed on June 26 by his representative Nancy Newhouse Porter of Newhouse Porter Hubbard.
After the news of his death, Nancy his representative, talking about him said :
“He was one of the most admired and beloved people in the industry. It’s heartbreaking for everyone.”
Before making animated feature films, Kelly enrolled at California Institute of Arts in 1980 and worked on ABC’s series ‘The Littles’ and ‘The Black Cauldron’ in 1985. Soon in the later part of the 80’s he started working for Disney. He worked on their cartoons such as The Little Mermaid, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and James and the Giant Peach.
One thing which not many people know, is that Kelly was behind Disney’s classic animated film, 1995’s Toy Story. He was a story artiste on the film. Further, working with Disney he went on to work on projects such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Wreck It Ralph and Frozen among others.
A creative genius, Asbury was the director of two Oscar nominated animated films. His debut film, Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron(2002) and Shrek 2 were the two films. Apart from performing his duty of a director, he lend his voice as the extra voices in Shrek 2 and its sequel.
In 2011, he directed the British-American animated film,Gnomeo & Juliet. Further, he helmed its 2018 spin-off Sherlock Gnomes. Asbury was also nominated for Camera D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, for best debut feature.
As his last film, he directed STX Entertainment’s Ugly Dolls, which released last year. Asbury will be remembered for his huge contribution towards the world of animated films.