Lee Unkrich

Born:August 8, 1967

Place of Birth:Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Known For:Directing

Biography

Lee Unkrich, born on August 8, 1967, is a visionary American filmmaker renowned for his exceptional contributions to the animation industry. His remarkable journey in the world of cinema began in 1994 when he joined the prestigious Pixar Animation Studios as an editor. It was here that he embarked on a career that would leave an indelible mark on the world of animation.

Unkrich's creative genius shone brightly when he was credited as a co-director for the beloved film "Toy Story 2" in 1999. This was just the beginning of a series of cinematic masterpieces that he would go on to create. His talent and dedication led him to play pivotal roles in iconic films such as "Monsters, Inc." (2001) and "Finding Nemo" (2003), where his editing prowess and creative vision were instrumental in shaping the narratives.

In 2010, Lee Unkrich took the helm as the solo director for "Toy Story 3," a film that not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but also solidified his reputation as a visionary filmmaker. His ability to infuse emotion and depth into animated storytelling was truly unparalleled, earning him critical acclaim and admiration from both fans and critics alike.

One of Unkrich's crowning achievements came in 2017 with the release of "Coco," a heartfelt and visually stunning masterpiece that resonated with audiences on a profound level. The film not only showcased his directorial brilliance but also earned him two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, cementing his status as a true cinematic maestro.

After an illustrious career spanning 25 years at Pixar, Lee Unkrich made the decision to retire in January 2019. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his unwavering commitment to storytelling, has left an indelible legacy in the world of animation. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Unkrich's decision to prioritize his family and pursue new interests speaks volumes about his character and values.

Lee Unkrich's impact on the animation industry is immeasurable, and his films will continue to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come. His unique ability to blend heartwarming storytelling with visually stunning animation sets him apart as a true visionary in the world of cinema. As he embarks on new adventures beyond Pixar, his legacy as a master storyteller and filmmaker remains etched in the annals of cinematic history.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Coco

Additional Voices (voice)

2017

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

Monsters, Inc.

Additional Voices (voice)

2001

Lovable Sulley and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. When a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it's the monsters who are scared silly, and it's up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight and get her back home.

Finding Nemo

Additional Voices (voice)

2003

Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to his worrisome father Marlin and a friendly but forgetful fish Dory to bring Nemo home -- meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way.

Toy Story 2

Additional Voices (voice)

1999

Andy heads off to Cowboy Camp, leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggen, owner of Al's Toy Barn kidnaps Woody. Andy's toys mount a daring rescue mission, Buzz Lightyear meets his match and Woody has to decide where he and his heart truly belong.

Toy Story 3

Additional Voices (voice)

2010

Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy's toys haven't been played with in years. With Andy about to go to college, the gang find themselves accidentally left at a nefarious day care center. The toys must band together to escape and return home to Andy.

A Bug's Life

Additional Voices (voice)

1998

On behalf of "oppressed bugs everywhere," an inventive ant named Flik hires a troupe of warrior bugs to defend his bustling colony from a horde of freeloading grasshoppers led by the evil-minded Hopper.

Production

Toy Story

Editor

1995

Led by Woody, Andy's toys live happily in his room until Andy's birthday brings Buzz Lightyear onto the scene. Afraid of losing his place in Andy's heart, Woody plots against Buzz. But when circumstances separate Buzz and Woody from their owner, the duo eventually learns to put aside their differences.

Coco

Story

2017

Inside Out

Other

2015

When 11-year-old Riley moves to a new city, her Emotions team up to help her through the transition. Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness work together, but when Joy and Sadness get lost, they must journey through unfamiliar places to get back home.

Monsters, Inc.

Co-Director

2001

Finding Nemo

Co-Director

2003

Toy Story 2

Co-Director

1999

Toy Story 3

Story

2010

Cars

Additional Editor

2006

Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters.

A Bug's Life

Editor

1998

Toy Story 4

Executive Producer

2019

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that's Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called "Forky" to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.

The Good Dinosaur

Executive Producer

2015

An epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend.

Monsters University

Executive Producer

2013

A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University — when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.

Lava

Thanks

2014

Inspired by the isolated beauty of tropical islands and the explosive allure of ocean volcanoes, Lava is a musical love story that takes place over millions of years.