Generation 1  Generation 1 / News

Jeff Hale, Animation Director On Original Transformers Cartoon, Dies At Age 92

Cartoon Brew reports Animator Jeff Hale, who served as animation director on the original The Transformers series as well as GI Joe and Muppet Babies, has passed away at the age of 92. In addition to his Sunbow work, Hale also contributed a number of recurring segments to Sesame Street such as Pinball Number Count and the googly-eyed typewriter. More details from the career of this talented animator after the jump.

For Sesame Street, Hale’s longest and most fruitful work relationship, he created several series of shorts, including the “Pinball Number Count” series, some of which are still seen on the program.

Hale also developed a number of beloved recurring characters for Sesame Street, including the Ringmaster, Typewriter and Detective Man.

Through Magnuson, who was a close friend of Lenny Bruce, Hale came to design and direct the animation of Thank You Mask Man, using audio from a Bruce routine based on the Lone Ranger and Tonto, in 1968. The short had a controversial and unprofitable run; it was scheduled to premiere at the opening night of the San Francisco International Film Festival but was mysteriously taken off the proram. Magnuson believed that the film’s submission for Academy Awards consideration was sabotaged by an Academy member, with Hale suggesting “the projectionist took it upon himself to act as a censor.” The short found an audience and attained cult status nonetheless, with regular pre-feature screenings over many years at Landmark Theatres.

With Geraldine Clarke and Prescott Wright, Jeff and Margaret Hale founded ASIFA-San Francisco in 1973.

Hale later helped set up the San Francisco studio Mill Valley Animation. He also animated the “B-17” segment of the feature Heavy Metal (1981), which was directed by NFB colleague Gerald Potterton. Later he worked as an animation director on Muppet Babies and Transformers, as well as The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show, G.I. Joe and My Little Pony. Hale continued to work, with considerable artistic freedom, on Sesame Street until 1999.

Hale retired to Talent, Oregon where he continued to paint and draw. He is survived by his daughter Margot and son Nick.

Data Center

Member Comments

~ NO MEMBER COMMENTS YET ~
start the coversation with yours

ADD YOUR COMMENT NOW
(Membership Required)

Transformers Shops

Advertise Here on TFormers.com

Shop Online for Transformers United

Transformers Shopping



More Generation 1 News & Reviews



Advertise on TFormers.com








This site uses cookies for site configuration, advertising, and analysis. By using this site you accept our policies - Read Full Site Policy OK
Sign Up For The TNI Newsletter And Have The News Delivered To You!


Forums Communities: Toy Fans - Marvel Fans - Transformers Fans

@ToyNewsI Socials: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

@MarvelousNews Socials: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

@Tformers Socials: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

@JediInsider Socials: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

Entertainment News International (ENI) is the #1 popular culture network for adult fans all around the world.
Get the scoop on all the popular comics, games, movies, toys, and more every day!

Contact and Support

Advertising | Submit News | Contact ENI | Privacy Policy

©Entertainment News International - All images, trademarks, logos, video, brands and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies and owners. All Rights Reserved. Data has been shared for news reporting purposes only. All content sourced by fans, online websites, and or other fan community sources. Entertainment News International is not responsible for reporting errors, inaccuracies, omissions, and or other liablities related to news shared here. We do our best to keep tabs on infringements. If some of your content was shared by accident. Contact us about any infringements right away - CLICK HERE