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Wolfgang “Wollie” Reitherman: Disney Family Album – Master of Action & Animation

The ninth episode of The Disney Family Album features Wolfgang Reitherman, a legendary animator and director. Originally airing on The Disney Channel in March 1985, this episode explores his 44-year career at Disney. As one of Walt’s Nine Old Men, Reitherman brought dynamic action and adventure to some of Disney’s most iconic animated films.

Wolfgang Reitherman: A Legacy in Animation

Born in Munich, Germany, in 1909, Wolfgang Reitherman Disney moved to the United States at an early age. He joined Walt Disney Studios in 1933, working alongside Ward Kimball and Milt Kahl. Together, they created some of Disney’s most memorable early animations.

Animator of Classic Disney Scenes

Throughout his career, Wolfgang Reitherman animated some of the most thrilling sequences in Disney history:

  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) – Animated the eerie Slave in the Magic Mirror.
  • Pinocchio (1940) – Brought Monstro the Whale to life, creating a legendary chase scene.
  • Fantasia (1940) – Designed the intense dinosaur battle in The Rite of Spring sequence.
  • Dumbo (1941) – Gave personality to Timothy Q. Mouse, Dumbo’s loyal friend.
  • Peter Pan (1953) – Created Captain Hook’s dynamic sword fights, adding excitement to the story.

His work was groundbreaking, especially in high-energy action sequences that became his trademark.

Wolfgang Reitherman
Wolfgang Reitherman (Photo: Disney Archives)

Wolfgang Reitherman: Director of Animated Classics

In addition to animating, Wolfgang Reitherman directed some of Disney’s most beloved feature films:

  • The Sword in the Stone (1963) – His directorial debut, telling the story of young King Arthur.
  • The Jungle Book (1967) – The last animated feature Walt personally oversaw.
  • The Aristocats (1970) – A fun-filled Parisian adventure with charming feline characters.
  • Robin Hood (1973) – A fresh take on the legend, featuring anthropomorphic animals.
  • The Rescuers (1977) – A thrilling mission led by two heroic mice.

His short film, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968), won an Academy Award, showcasing his storytelling talent.

Military Service and Personal Life

During World War II, Wolfgang Reitherman was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He flew combat missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery.

He married Janie Marie McMillan in 1946, and their three sonsBruce, Richard, and Robert—continued his Disney legacy. They provided voices for characters in classic Disney films.

Learn More About Wolfgang Reitherman’s Legacy

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


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 an educational resource 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.

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, Frank Thomas, 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

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