Date of Birth: June 29, 1920
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: May 7, 2013
Biography
Ray Harryhausen was an American filmmaker and special effects creator best known for his pioneering work in stop-motion model animation. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Harryhausen developed a passion for fantasy films and visual effects from a young age. His career spanned over several decades, during which he created some of the most iconic and memorable sequences in cinema history. Harryhausen’s fascination with animation began after watching “King Kong” (1933), which inspired him to pursue a career in special effects. He started by making his own short films and eventually caught the attention of Willis O’Brien, the animator behind “King Kong.” Harryhausen began working as O’Brien’s assistant on the film “Mighty Joe Young” (1949), which won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Ray Harryhausen’s most notable works include “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” (1958), “Jason and the Argonauts” (1963), and “Clash of the Titans” (1981). His innovative techniques and imaginative creatures made him a legend in the film industry. Harryhausen’s work has influenced countless filmmakers and special effects artists, and his legacy continues to be celebrated today.
5 Interesting Facts about Ray Harryhausen
1. Ray Harryhausen was awarded a special Academy Award for Technical Achievement in 1992 for his contributions to the film industry.
2. He coined the term “Dynamation” to describe his unique process of integrating stop-motion animation with live-action footage.
3. Harryhausen’s famous skeleton fight scene in “Jason and the Argonauts” took over four months to complete.
4. He was a close friend of science fiction author Ray Bradbury, and they often collaborated on various projects.
5. The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation was established to preserve his collection and promote his legacy.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ray Harryhausen
1. “I was very lucky. I started my career when the film industry was still a cottage industry, and it was possible to make films with a small crew.”
2. “Animation is not the art of drawings that move but the art of movements that are drawn.”
3. “If you make things too real, sometimes you bring it down to the mundane.”
4. “Fantasy is a genre that allows you to explore your imagination without limits.”
5. “I prefer to work alone, because I am the only one who knows what I want.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ray Harryhausen’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Ray Harryhausen had one daughter named Vanessa Harryhausen.
Relevant Links
1. [Ray Harryhausen Official Website](http://www.rayharryhausen.com/
2. [Ray Harryhausen Foundation](https://www.rayharryhausenfoundation.com/
3. [IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0366063/
4. [Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Harryhausen
