Burny Mattinson Disney Legend status isnโt just a titleโit represents a legacy that spans seven decades of storytelling. Mattinson passed away on February 27, 2023, at age 87, leaving behind one of the longest and most influential careers in Walt Disney Animation Studios history.
Even after 70 years, Burny continued working full-time as a story consultant and mentor, shaping Disneyโs next generation of artists.
Burny Mattinson Disney Legend: How It All Began
Mattinsonโs journey started in 1953 when his mother drove him to the Burbank studio gates. Without formal training, he walked through those gates with a dream. A kind studio guard noticed his portfolio, called the personnel department, and helped him land an interview. By the end of that week, Mattinson had a job.
Within six months, Disney promoted him to in-betweener on Lady and the Tramp. That role marked the start of a remarkable journey across animation history.
A Career That Defined Disney Storytelling
Over the years, Burny Mattinson animated and helped shape numerous Disney classics. His credits include:
- One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
- The Jungle Book (1967)
- The Rescuers (1977)
- Aladdin (1992)
- Beauty and the Beast (1991)
- The Lion King (1994)
- Tarzan (1999)
His ability to tell rich, emotional stories through character movement made him an invaluable asset to the studio.
Mickeyโs Christmas Carol: A Defining Moment
In 1983, Mattinson directed and produced Mickeyโs Christmas Carol, returning Mickey Mouse to the big screen after a 30-year absence. He pitched the concept himselfโboldly sending a Disneyland Records album and story idea to Disney leadership. That risk paid off, launching one of the most beloved holiday specials in Disney history.
This success led to The Great Mouse Detective (1986), where Mattinson served as both producer and co-director.
Mentorship and Legacy
Mattinson didnโt just animate scenesโhe inspired people. He mentored countless artists across generations, including current Disney Legends like Eric Goldberg, who said:
โBurny literally did everythingโstory artist, animator, director, producer. He shaped the studio, and all of us, for the better.โ
Don Hall, director of Big Hero 6, worked with Mattinson for decades and described him as a cheerful presence who lived out his dream every day.
The Longest-Serving Cast Member in Disney History
In 2018, Burny became the longest-serving Disney cast member, surpassing the record of 64 years. He continued working on recent projects like Strange World (2022) and Winnie the Pooh (2011), proving that passion doesnโt retire. He was set to receive his 70th anniversary service award on June 4, 2023โa first in Disney Company history.
A Personal Dream Realized
Burny Mattinson was born in San Francisco in 1935. After watching Pinocchio at age six, he dreamed of becoming a Disney artist.
He chased that dream every day. When asked about his 50-year milestone, he said, โI still feel like that 18-year-old kid that came here in โ53. I never feel like Iโve gotten old.โ
