Richard Williams, who became known for his drawings for the films of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Pink Panther, died Friday at his home in Bristol. His family has informed this to various British media. The Canadian-British draftsman has turned 86.
Williams was the animation director of Who Framed Roger Rabbit ?, the popular live action and animation film from 1988, and invented characters Roger and Jessica Rabbit. He won two Oscars for his work in this film. For the Pink Panther films from 1975 and 1976, Williams drew the animations at the start of both films. The draftsman did the same for films such as What’s New Pussycat? (1965) and Casino Royale (1967).
He also wrote a handbook about his profession: The Animator’s Survival Kit. Although Williams’ latest work – the short film Prologue – dates from 2015, he was still drawing and writing in his final years.