Jeff Hale, ‘Sesame Street’ and ‘Thank You Mask Man’ Animator, Dies at 92

Source: Cartoon Brew

Jeff Hale, the award-winning director best known for his work with Sesame Street and the controversial Lenny Bruce short Thank You Mask Man, passed away in late February. He was 92 years old. ASIFA San Francisco president Karl Cohen confirmed his death via email.

Born in Margate, England in 1923, Hale began drawing as a teenager during a long hospital stay and trained at the Royal College of Art in London. His first animation job was at W.M. Larkins studio in England, where Hale trained under German director-designer Peter Sachs. He launched his own commercial studio Biographic Films in 1955 with partners Bob Godfrey and Keith Learner.

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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.




Read more: http://www.cartoonbrew.com/rip/jeff-hale-sesame-street-and-thank-you-mask-man-animator-rip-110092.html

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