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Frank Thomas Disney Family Album: Master Animator and Musician

The eleventh episode of The Disney Family Album features Frank Thomas, a legendary Disney animator and pianist. Originally airing on The Disney Channel in April 1985, this episode highlights his remarkable career at The Walt Disney Company. As one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, Thomas helped shape some of the most iconic moments in animation history.

Frank Thomas: A Pillar of Disney Animation

Born on September 5, 1912, in Santa Monica, California, Frank Thomas developed a passion for art at an early age. He attended Stanford University, collaborating with Ollie Johnston on the campus humor magazine, The Stanford Chaparral. After graduation in 1933, he studied at the Chouinard Art Institute to refine his artistic skills.

In 1934, Thomas joined Walt Disney Studios as an animator. Over the next four decades, he became known for his emotional depth in character animation, a quality that set his work apart.

Animator of Iconic Disney Moments

Throughout his career, Frank Thomas animated several of Disney’s most unforgettable scenes, including:

  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) – Created the dwarfs mourning Snow White, an emotionally charged moment in Disney history.
  • Bambi (1942) – Brought Bambi and Thumper’s ice-skating scene to life, adding humor and charm.
  • Lady and the Tramp (1955) – Designed the beloved spaghetti-eating scene, making it one of the most romantic moments in Disney animation.
  • The Jungle Book (1967) – Animated the lively “I Wan’na Be Like You” sequence with King Louie and Baloo.
  • Mary Poppins (1964) – Crafted the whimsical dancing penguins, seamlessly blending animation with live action.

In addition to these scenes, Thomas animated several memorable villains, including the Wicked Stepmother (Cinderella, 1950), the Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland, 1951), and Captain Hook (Peter Pan, 1953). His ability to bring nuanced expressions and lifelike movement to these characters made them unforgettable.

Disney Family Album - Frank Thomas
Disney Family Album – Frank Thomas

Beyond Animation: Music and Writing

Beyond his animation work, Frank Thomas was an accomplished pianist. His love for music led Ward Kimball to recruit him for the Firehouse Five Plus Two, a Dixieland jazz band composed of Disney employees. Their performances became popular among Disney fans.

Thomas also contributed to animation education. In 1981, he co-authored Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life with Ollie Johnston. This book, which outlines the 12 Principles of Animation, is still considered essential reading for aspiring animators.

Legacy and Recognition

In 1978, after 44 years at Disney, Frank Thomas retired, leaving behind a lasting impact on animation. His work continues to inspire animators and Disney fans alike.

In 1995, Thomas and Ollie Johnston were honored in the documentary Frank and Ollie,” directed by Theodore Thomas (Frank’s son). The film provides a touching look at their friendship and artistic contributions.  Frank and Ollie is available on Disney+, and comes highly recommended!

His achievements earned him the title of Disney Legend, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the company.

Learn More About Frank Thomas’s Contributions

➡️ Read about Frank Thomas on the D23 Disney Legends page.
📺 Watch more Disney Family Albums right here on SamsDisneyDiary.

Don’t miss any of the Disney Family Albums:  Clarence “Ducky” Nash, The Missing Episode, Ward Kimball, Sherman Brothers, Jim MacDonald, Milt Kahl, Ken Anderson, Disneyland Designers, Eric Larson, Peter and Harrison Ellenshaw, Wolfgang (Woolie) Reitherman, Voice Actors, WED Imagineers, Golden Horseshoe Revue, Ollie Johnston, Annette Funicello, Marc Davis, The Milotte’s and the Beebe’s, Fess Parker / Buddy Ebsen, The StoryMen


Disclosure

The Disney Family Album episodes are provided for historical reference only and are not monetized on any video platform. These videos amplify my love of Disney and Disney Parks, serving as educational resources to celebrate the creativity and legacy of Disney’s greatest storytellers. All rights to the original content remain with The Walt Disney Company. No copyright infringement is intended.

 

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