Ub Iwerks was a pioneering figure in the world of animation, known for his significant contributions to the industry alongside Walt Disney. Born in 1901, Iwerks's career spanned several decades, during which he left an indelible mark on animation and special effects. This article explores his life, his work with Disney, and his lasting legacy in the field.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ub Iwerks was born Ubbe Ert Iwwerks in Kansas City, Missouri. His father, Ert Ubbén Iwwerks,
immigrated to the United States from Germany. Iwerks's early life was marked by hardship, as his father abandoned the family, forcing him to leave school and work to support his mother. Despite these challenges, Iwerks developed a passion for art and animation.
Iwerks met Walt Disney in 1919 while working at an art studio in Kansas City. The two quickly formed a partnership, venturing into animation together. Iwerks joined Disney as the chief animator on the Laugh-O-Gram shorts series in 1922. Although the studio went bankrupt, this experience laid the foundation for their future collaborations.
Collaboration with Walt Disney
After relocating to Los Angeles, Iwerks continued to work with Disney on the Alice Comedies and the creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. However, it was his work on Mickey Mouse that solidified his place in animation history. Iwerks refined a sketch by Disney, which became the iconic character Mickey Mouse. He was responsible for much of the animation in early Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphony cartoons, including classics like "Steamboat Willie."
Despite their successful partnership, Iwerks and Disney had a falling out, leading to Iwerks's departure from the studio in 1930. He went on to establish his own studio, where he created characters like Flip the Frog and Willie Whopper. Although his studio struggled to compete with Disney, Iwerks's innovative spirit continued to shine through his work.
Innovations and Later Career
Iwerks's contributions to animation extended beyond character creation. He was a pioneer in special effects, developing visual effects processes for films like "Song of the South" and "Mary Poppins." His work on the xerography process revolutionized animation by allowing pencil drawings to be photocopied onto animation cels, streamlining production.
In 1940, Iwerks returned to Disney, where he continued to innovate in the field of special effects. His work on the sodium vapor screen process for "Mary Poppins" earned him an Academy Award for Technical Achievement. Iwerks's legacy is celebrated through numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a Disney Legend in 1989.
Ub Iwerks passed away in 1971, but his influence on animation and special effects remains profound. His dedication to innovation and creativity continues to inspire animators and filmmakers around the world.
