Gary Trousdale

Born:June 8, 1960

Place of Birth:La Crescenta, California, USA

Known For:Directing

Biography

Gary Trousdale, born on June 8, 1960, is a visionary American film director celebrated for his work on beloved animated movies such as "Beauty and the Beast," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and "Atlantis: The Lost Empire." His creative partnership with director Kirk Wise has brought to life some of the most iconic Disney animated films of all time.

Initially aspiring to be an architect, Trousdale's passion for animation led him to CalArts, where he honed his skills for three years. His journey in the world of animation began in 1982, working on storyboards and various animation tasks before transitioning to designing restaurant menus and t-shirts.

In 1985, Trousdale joined Walt Disney Feature Animation as an effects animator for "The Black Cauldron." However, it was his directorial debut with "Beauty and the Beast" that catapulted him to fame, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and a LAFCA Award. His directorial prowess shone once again with "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in 1996, showcasing his ability to bring depth and emotion to animated storytelling.

Venturing to DreamWorks Animation in 2003 marked a new chapter in Trousdale's career, where he contributed his talents to projects like "The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper," "Shrek the Halls," and the Halloween special "Scared Shrekless." His unique style and attention to detail continue to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the animation industry.

Gary Trousdale's dedication to his craft and his ability to infuse heart and soul into his projects have solidified his status as a revered figure in the world of animation. His collaborations with Kirk Wise have set a standard for storytelling in animated films, inspiring generations of filmmakers and enchanting viewers with timeless tales that resonate across cultures.

With an impressive body of work that spans decades, Trousdale's contributions to the animation industry have left an indelible mark, earning him a well-deserved place among the greats in cinematic history. His passion for storytelling and commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation continue to inspire aspiring animators and filmmakers to dream big and create magic on the screen.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Old Heretic (voice)

1996

Isolated bell-ringer Quasimodo wishes to leave Notre Dame tower against the wishes of Judge Claude Frollo, his stern guardian and Paris' strait-laced Minister of Justice. His first venture to the outside world finds him Esmeralda, a kind-hearted and fearless Romani woman who openly stands up to Frollo's tyranny.

Shrek the Halls

Santa (voice)

2007

The Christmas tree isn't the only thing green in this new holiday classic. Shrek is back and trying to get into the spirit of the season. After promising Fiona and the kids a Christmas they'll remember, he is forced to take a crash course in the holiday. But just when he thinks he has everything for their quiet family Christmas just right, there is a knock at the door.

Howard

Self

2018

Though legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage and interviews with Ashman’s family, friends, associates, and longtime partner Bill Lauch, Howard is an intimate tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent and a rousing celebration of musical storytelling itself.

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Himself

2009

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. These conditions produced a series of box-office flops and pessimistic forecasts: maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn't care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It's the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits - "Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast ," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and more - over a 10-year period.

Production

The Lion King

Story

1994

Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life.

The Little Mermaid

Storyboard

1989

This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters -- including the villainous sea witch Ursula.

Beauty and the Beast

Director

1991

Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who's been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all -- that true beauty comes from within.

Megamind

Thanks

2010

After Megamind, a highly intelligent alien supervillain, defeats his long-time nemesis Metro Man, Megamind creates a new hero to fight, but must act to save the city when his "creation" becomes an even worse villain than he was.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Director

1996

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Story

2001

The world's most highly qualified crew of archaeologists and explorers is led by historian Milo Thatch as they board the incredible 1,000-foot submarine Ulysses and head deep into the mysteries of the sea. The underwater expedition takes an unexpected turn when the team's mission must switch from exploring Atlantis to protecting it.

Oliver & Company

Story

1988

A young cat named Oliver is left alone in a kitten box, while all the other young cats have new owners. A big dog named Dodger shows him how to get food and later Oliver lives with him, his owner Fagin and Fagin's other dogs Tito, Rita, Einstein, and Francis. Fagin has one problem besides being broke he owes a nasty man named Sykes a lot of money. If he can't pay it back he's in big trouble. While Oliver runs into a little girl named Jenny who becomes his new owner which he is happy with and later Sykes sees Jenny as the key for him to get his money.

Shrek the Halls

Director

2007

Scared Shrekless

Director

2010

Shrek challenges Donkey, Puss in Boots and his other fairy tale character friends to spend the night in Lord Farquaad's haunted castle, telling scary stories to see who can resist becoming scared and stay the longest.

The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper

Director

2005

During the holiday season, when the animals of the Central Park Zoo are preparing for Christmas, Private, the youngest of the penguins notices that the Polar Bear is all alone. Assured that nobody should have to spend Christmas alone, Private goes into the city for some last-minute Christmas shopping. Along the way, he gets stuffed into a stocking