Gerry Anderson

Date of Birth: April 14, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 26, 2012

Biography

Gerry Anderson was a British television and film producer, director, and writer, best known for his innovative work in the field of puppet-based animation, which he called “Supermarionation.” Born in London, England, Anderson’s career spanned several decades, during which he created some of the most iconic sci-fi series and children’s shows of the 20th century. He first rose to prominence in the 1960s with the creation of “Thunderbirds,” a show that became a cultural phenomenon. Anderson continued to produce a variety of successful series, including “Stingray,” “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons,” and “UFO.” His work was characterized by its sophisticated special effects, compelling storytelling, and memorable characters. Anderson’s influence extended beyond television into feature films and he remained an active and respected figure in the entertainment industry until his death in 2012.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerry Anderson

1. Gerry Anderson originally wanted to be a film director but found his niche in television puppetry.

2. The term “Supermarionation,” used to describe his puppet animation technique, was coined by Anderson himself.

3. “Thunderbirds” was inspired by a mining disaster and the desire to show heroic rescues.

4. Anderson was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to animation in 2001.

5. He also created live-action shows like “Space: 1999,” which garnered a significant cult following.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gerry Anderson

1. “I never really wanted to work in children’s television at all. I wanted to be a film director.”

2. “Supermarionation was a means to an end. I wanted to make a live-action series, but puppets were what we could afford.”

3. “Thunderbirds was about heroes, real heroes who would risk their lives to save others.”

4. “We always tried to push the boundaries of what was possible with the technology we had.”

5. “My shows were about escapism, about creating a world where the impossible became possible.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Gerry Anderson’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Gerry Anderson had four children: Joy, Linda, Gerry Jr., and Jamie. His son Jamie Anderson has followed in his footsteps, becoming a producer and director who continues to work on projects related to his father’s legacy.