John Lasseter, American animator, director, and producer

John Lasseter: A Visionary in Animation and Film

John Alan Lasseter, born on January 12, 1957, is a highly influential American film director, producer, screenwriter, animator, and voice actor, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to computer animation and his significant impact on the modern animation industry. Currently, he serves as the head of animation at Skydance Animation, continuing his prolific career in animated storytelling.

Lasseter's extensive background includes transformative leadership roles as the chief creative officer for Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios. He also held the distinguished position of Principal Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering, where his creative vision influenced themed entertainment design.

Early Career and the Dawn of Computer Animation

Lasseter began his professional journey as an animator with The Walt Disney Company. However, his forward-thinking advocacy for computer animation diverged from Disney's traditional 2D animation focus at the time, leading to his departure. This pivotal moment allowed him to join Lucasfilm, where he became instrumental in the then-groundbreaking use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) for animation. His early work here, including contributions to short films like *The Adventures of André & Wally B.* (1984), demonstrated the revolutionary potential of digital animation.

Founding Pixar and Redefining Animated Storytelling

In 1986, the Graphics Group of the Computer Division of Lucasfilm, where Lasseter was a key creative, was acquired by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and subsequently rebranded as Pixar Animation Studios. As a foundational figure, Lasseter assumed a central role, overseeing all of Pixar's films and associated innovative projects as executive producer. He directed several of Pixar's most beloved and groundbreaking features:

These films not only achieved immense commercial success but also garnered critical acclaim, setting new benchmarks for animated storytelling and technological innovation.

Revitalizing Disney Animation

From 2006 to 2018, Lasseter's influence expanded to Walt Disney Animation Studios and its division, Disneytoon Studios. As executive producer, he played a crucial role in revitalizing Disney's storied animation division, guiding it back to critical and commercial prominence. Under his creative direction, Disney Animation produced a string of highly successful and acclaimed films, renewing the studio's legacy for compelling narratives and artistic excellence.

Unprecedented Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim

The films Lasseter has directly overseen as executive producer or director have collectively grossed more than $19 billion (USD) worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most commercially successful filmmakers of all time. This remarkable financial achievement underscores the widespread appeal and cultural impact of the animated works under his guidance.

Notably, out of the eight animated films that have surpassed the $1 billion mark at the global box office, five were executive produced by Lasseter. These include:

His significant contributions have been recognized with two Academy Awards: one for Best Animated Short Film for Tin Toy (1988), an innovative short that laid crucial groundwork for *Toy Story*, and a Special Achievement Award for *Toy Story* (1995), honoring its groundbreaking computer animation.

Departure from Disney and New Ventures

In November 2017, Lasseter took a six-month sabbatical from his roles at Pixar and Disney Animation, citing "missteps" in his behavior with employees. Various news outlets subsequently reported allegations of past sexual misconduct. In June 2018, Disney announced his departure from the company at the end of the year, coinciding with the expiration of his contract. He served in a consulting role until then.

On January 9, 2019, Lasseter embarked on a new chapter in his career, being hired to lead Skydance Animation. This marked his return to a prominent creative leadership position within the animation industry, where he continues to shape animated content.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Lasseter

What is John Lasseter's current role in the animation industry?
John Lasseter is currently the head of animation at Skydance Animation, a position he assumed in January 2019.
What famous films did John Lasseter direct?
John Lasseter directed several iconic animated films, including Toy Story (1995), A Bug's Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Cars (2006), and Cars 2 (2011).
How much have films associated with John Lasseter grossed worldwide?
Films that John Lasseter has directed or executive produced have collectively grossed over $19 billion (USD) worldwide, making him one of the most successful filmmakers by box office revenue.
Why did John Lasseter leave Disney and Pixar?
John Lasseter took a sabbatical in November 2017 after acknowledging "missteps" in his behavior with employees, amid allegations of misconduct. Disney later announced his departure in June 2018, and he officially left at the end of the year when his contract expired.