Date of Birth: July 19, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: January 30, 2014
Biography
Arthur Gardner Rankin, Jr. was an American director, producer, and writer who left an indelible mark on the world of animation and holiday specials. Born on July 19, 1924, in New York City, he was the son of actors Arthur Rankin and Marian Mansfield. Rankin co-founded the production company Rankin/Bass Productions with Jules Bass in the early 1960s. Together, they created some of the most beloved holiday television specials, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” These stop-motion animated films, often referred to as “Animagic,” became cherished holiday traditions for generations of viewers. Rankin was not limited to holiday specials; he also produced and directed several feature films and TV series, including the animated adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Return of the King.” His work was characterized by its unique animation style and heartwarming storytelling. Rankin’s career spanned several decades, and he received numerous accolades for his contributions to animation and television. He passed away on January 30, 2014, in Harrington Sound, Bermuda, leaving behind a legacy of timeless entertainment.
5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Rankin, Jr.
1. Arthur Rankin, Jr. was a pioneer in the use of stop-motion animation, a technique that became the hallmark of Rankin/Bass Productions.
2. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II before beginning his career in entertainment.
3. Rankin/Bass Productions’ “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first aired in 1964 and has become the longest-running Christmas TV special in history.
4. In addition to his work in animation, Rankin directed live-action films, including the 1977 cult classic “The Last Dinosaur.”
5. Arthur Rankin, Jr. was a recipient of the Windsor McCay Award, which is given for lifetime achievement in animation.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Rankin, Jr.
1. “Animation is a wonderful medium. It allows you to do things that are impossible in live action.”
2. “We always tried to tell a story that had heart, that had meaning. That’s what made our specials timeless.”
3. “I think the most important thing in any production is the story. If you have a good story, everything else will follow.”
4. “Working with Jules Bass was one of the great partnerships of my life. We complemented each other perfectly.”
5. “Creating something that brings joy to people year after year is the most rewarding thing of all.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Arthur Rankin, Jr.’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million.
Children
Arthur Rankin, Jr. had two children, Todd Rankin and Gardner Rankin, who have both pursued careers outside of the entertainment industry.
Relevant Links
1. [Arthur Rankin Jr. – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0710240/
2. [Arthur Rankin Jr. – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Rankin_Jr.
3. [Rankin/Bass Productions – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/company/co0056157/
