Deaths on February 6

Dan Gerson, American screenwriter (b. 1966)

Daniel Robert Gerson (August 1, 1966 – February 6, 2016) was an American screenwriter and voice actor whose creative vision significantly shaped some of the most cherished animated films of the 21st century. His profound impact on contemporary animation was primarily realized through his extensive and celebrated work with two of the industry's titans: Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Gerson’s talent lay in his ability to craft engaging narratives and inject memorable dialogue, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

Pivotal Screenwriting Contributions to Iconic Animated Films

Gerson’s most prominent legacy is arguably defined by his co-screenwriting credits on a trio of immensely successful and critically acclaimed animated features. His writing helped bring these beloved stories and characters to life, resonating with viewers across generations.

• Monsters, Inc. (2001): Daniel Gerson co-wrote the screenplay for this groundbreaking Pixar film, collaborating with Andrew Stanton, Jack Wasky, and Robert L. Baird. The film, which ingeniously explored the concept of monsters generating energy from children's screams while brilliantly flipping the traditional monster narrative, was a commercial and critical triumph. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and secured a BAFTA Children's Award for Best Feature Film, highlighting the strength of its story and character development.
• Monsters University (2013): He returned to co-write the highly anticipated prequel to Monsters, Inc. alongside Robert L. Baird and Dan Scanlon. This film offered a charming origin story, delving into the college years of Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, providing further depth and context to their enduring friendship and the vibrant world Gerson helped establish.
• Big Hero 6 (2014): Co-written with Robert L. Baird and Jordan Roberts, this Walt Disney Animation Studios production holds a special significance as it was reported to be Gerson's last credited film as a screenwriter. Big Hero 6, an action-packed superhero adventure blending East-meets-West aesthetics with profound themes of grief and invention, achieved widespread critical acclaim. It proudly secured the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards ceremony and was recognized as the highest-grossing animated film of 2014, underscoring the global reach and impact of Gerson's storytelling prowess.

Diverse Contributions Across Animation and Television

Beyond his principal screenwriting roles, Daniel Gerson was a versatile creative force who contributed to numerous other animated projects and television series. His expertise often extended to story development, crafting additional dialogue, or serving as a crucial creative consultant, enriching a wide array of productions with his unique touch.

• Pixar Films: He provided valuable material to the deeply emotional and widely lauded Up (2009), recognized for its poignant narrative, and the innovative Inside Out (2015), celebrated for its imaginative exploration of human emotions.
• Walt Disney Animation Studios Films: Gerson's contributions also extended to Chicken Little (2005), Meet the Robinsons (2007), and the critically acclaimed Zootopia (2016), which was notably released posthumously, showcasing his consistent influence across Disney's diverse animated slate.
• Other Animated Features: His creative input was also evident in Pixar's high-octane racing adventure Cars (2006), further solidifying his broad and significant impact on contemporary animation.
• Television Work: Earlier in his career, Gerson honed his writing skills on various television shows, demonstrating his versatility in episodic storytelling. His television credits include Misguided Angeles, Big Wolf on Campus, and Something So Right.

Voice Acting Roles: Bringing Characters to Life

In addition to his prolific writing career, Daniel Gerson also lent his voice to characters within the animated worlds he helped create, adding another dimension to his creative legacy. He is famously recognized for voicing the distinctive characters of the comedic cleaner "Smitty" and the "Needleman" monsters in Monsters, Inc. These roles were reprised by Gerson in Monsters University, allowing him to further embody the vibrant universe he helped develop.

Accolades and Enduring Legacy

Daniel Gerson's remarkable contributions to the animation industry were fittingly recognized with prestigious awards, cementing his status as a revered figure. Beyond the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature that Big Hero 6 received, he was also a recipient of a BAFTA Award. Specifically, Gerson shared the BAFTA Children's Award for Best Feature Film in 2002 for his exceptional screenwriting work on Monsters, Inc., an early testament to his groundbreaking storytelling brilliance. His passing in 2016 marked the profound loss of a prolific and beloved creative force whose imaginative work continues to entertain, inspire, and resonate with audiences around the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Robert Gerson

Which major animation studios did Daniel Gerson primarily work for?

Daniel Gerson was best known for his extensive and impactful work with both Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios, two of the leading and most influential names in animated filmmaking.

What were Daniel Gerson's most famous screenwriting credits?

His most prominent screenwriting credits include co-writing the acclaimed films Monsters, Inc. (2001), its prequel Monsters University (2013), and the Academy Award-winning Big Hero 6 (2014).

Did Daniel Gerson win any major awards for his work?

Yes, he shared in the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for Big Hero 6. Additionally, he received a BAFTA Children's Award for Best Feature Film in 2002 for his screenwriting contributions to Monsters, Inc.

What voice acting roles did Daniel Gerson perform?

He lent his voice to characters such as the "Smitty" and "Needleman" monsters in both Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University, adding to the authenticity of the worlds he helped create.

Was Big Hero 6 the very last film Daniel Gerson worked on?

Big Hero 6 was reported to be his last film as a credited screenwriter. However, he also contributed material to Zootopia, which was released posthumously in 2016, showcasing his continued involvement in animated projects.