Joe Ranft
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1960-03-13
    • Born Place: Pasadena, California, USA
  • Deathday:

    2005-08-16

Joe Ranft

Joseph Henry "Joe" Ranft (March 13, 1960 – August 16, 2005) was a highly influential American animator, screenwriter, storyboard artist, and voice actor, primarily known for his pivotal contributions to Pixar Animation Studios and The Walt Disney Company. Born in Pasadena, California, Ranft developed a love for storytelling, magic, and comedy from a young age. He studied character animation at the California Institute of the Arts, where he befriended future Pixar colleagues like John Lasseter and Brad Bird.Ranft began his career at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1980, where he quickly became an exceptional story artist, contributing to the narratives of beloved films such as "Oliver & Company," "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Lion King." His keen understanding of storytelling and character development made him an invaluable asset. In 1991, he joined the burgeoning Pixar Animation Studios as Head of Story, where he played a crucial role in shaping the studio's groundbreaking computer-animated features. He was a key member of the "Pixar Braintrust" and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for his work on "Toy Story" (1995).Beyond his writing and storyboarding talents, Ranft was also a gifted voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to memorable characters in Pixar films. He famously voiced Heimlich the caterpillar in "A Bug's Life" (1998), Wheezy the asthmatic penguin in "Toy Story 2" (1999), and Jacques the cleaner shrimp in "Finding Nemo" (2003). His ability to bring comedic timing and genuine emotion to his voice roles further enhanced the films. Tragically, Joe Ranft died in a car accident in 2005 at the age of 45, while still actively working on "Cars," which he co-directed. His immense talent, infectious enthusiasm, and profound impact on the art of animation continue to be celebrated within the industry.

Person History