Disney Renaissance Animator Mike Toth Has Passed Away
Mike Toth, the esteemed animator who helped create some of Disney’s best-known films, has tragically passed away.
According to The MagPie Agency, Toth was inspired to become an animator by the Warner Bros. cartoons of the 1940s. Following his passion, Toth began his career in animation at Filmation Studios in 1978.
There, he would work on a series of beloved Saturday morning cartoons, including The New Adventures of Tom & Jerry, He-Man, Fat Albert, and Ghostbusters. He also freelanced for Bill Melendez and worked on numerous Peanuts projects.
Photo: eBay
When Filmation shut down in 1988, Toth briefly worked at Baer Animation Studios before joining Disney.
Toth’s Disney Career
Toth began his Disney career working on shorts, including the Roger Rabbit cartoon Tummy Trouble and The Prince and the Pauper.
Photo: eBay
By the mid-1990s, Toth moved to Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he worked on a series of iconic films, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, and Tarzan.
Photo: eBay
As Disney moved away from 2D animation during the new millennium, Toth’s work began to dry up. He would never recover from the loss of his career.
The Animator’s Daughter Told Toth’s Story
News of Toth’s death was shared by his daughter, Christine Vergara, on the Cartoon Research Facebook page. In her post, Vergara attributed Toth’s death to his battle with alcoholism.
Photo: Christine Vergara
“My father died on December 29th from a long battle with alcoholism. My dad’s last animation job was with Walt Disney, which gave him over a decade long career with them and the chance to work on numerous classic films. He lost his job from Disney in the early 2000’s, and it destroyed him, leading him to his battle with alcohol and depression,” she wrote.
Photo: Christine Vergara
“My dad was the most generous, loving, kind hearted person I knew. He loved everyone he met, treating them as though he had known them his whole life. He loved God, and kindly spread the word when given a chance.”
Vergara finished her post by explaining why she was sharing her father’s story.
Photo: Christine Vergara
“I just wanted to share my dad’s story, and awareness to those struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. My dad was a wonderful man, and alcohol cut his time short. Please enjoy his art.”
His Legacy Lives On
In recent years, Toth frequently appeared at conventions, interacting with fans and sharing his gifts. Toth’s memory will live on in the stories he told, the characters he brought to life, and the magic he made.
Photo: Reddit
Thank you for everything, Mike.
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