Glenn McQueen was a talented and influential animator who worked on some of Pixar’s most beloved films, such as Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, and Monsters, Inc. He was also a devoted husband and father who touched the lives of many people with his kindness and humor. Sadly, he passed away in 2002 from melanoma, a type of skin cancer, at the age of 41. His death was a huge loss for the animation industry and for his family and friends. However, his legacy lives on in the films he worked on and in the characters he inspired.
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Glenn McQueen’s Early Life and Career
Glenn McQueen was born on December 24, 1960, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He had a passion for drawing and animation since he was a child. He graduated from Sheridan College in 1985 with a degree in classical animation. He then received a scholarship to study at the New York Institute of Technology Computer Graphics Lab, where he worked on film effects, television commercials, and scientific visuals.
In 1991, he joined Pacific Data Images (PDI), a computer animation company that later became part of DreamWorks Animation. He worked as an animator and director on several projects, including The Last Halloween, a Halloween special that won an Emmy Award in 1992.
In 1994, he moved to Pixar, partly because of his interest in Toy Story and his respect for John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Pixar. He became the supervising animator for Toy Story, the first feature-length computer-animated film in history. He also supervised the animation for A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, and Monsters, Inc., creating memorable characters such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Flik, Jessie, Sulley, and Mike Wazowski.
He was known for his artistic vision, technical skill, and leadership ability. He mentored many young animators and helped them develop their talents. He also served as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood.
Glenn McQueen’s Battle with Melanoma
In December 2001, McQueen was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer if not detected and treated early. According to Wikipedia, melanoma accounts for about 2% of skin cancer cases but causes about 75% of skin cancer deaths.
McQueen decided to continue working at Pixar despite his illness. He was determined to finish his work on Monsters, Inc., which was released in November 2001. He also started working on Finding Nemo, which was in production at that time.
However, his condition worsened over time and he had to undergo several surgeries and treatments. He died on October 29, 2002, at his home in Berkeley, California. He was survived by his wife Terry and his daughter Claire.
Glenn McQueen’s Tribute and Legacy
McQueen’s death was a shock and a tragedy for everyone who knew him and admired him. His colleagues at Pixar were devastated by his loss and decided to honor him in various ways.
The most notable tribute was naming the main character of Cars Lightning McQueen after him. Cars was released in 2006 and featured the voice of Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, a hotshot race car who learns the value of friendship and humility. According to The Celebrity Deaths, John Lasseter said that he chose the name McQueen because it sounded cool and because he wanted to pay homage to his friend.
Another tribute was dedicating Finding Nemo to McQueen. Finding Nemo was released in 2003 and became one of Pixar’s most successful films ever. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and grossed over $940 million worldwide. The film tells the story of Marlin, a clownfish who searches for his son Nemo after he is captured by divers. At the end of the film credits, there is a message that reads: “Dedicated to our friend and colleague Glenn McQueen (1960-2002). We miss you.”
There is also a short tribute video to McQueen on the Finding Nemo DVD. The video shows clips of McQueen’s work at Pixar and interviews with his co-workers who share their memories and feelings about him. The video ends with Lasseter saying: “Glenn is not gone from us. He’s still alive in all of us.”
In addition to these tributes, McQueen’s legacy is also evident in the quality and impact of the films he worked on. His films have entertained millions of people around the world and have inspired many aspiring animators to pursue their dreams. His films have also won numerous awards and accolades for their artistic excellence and innovation.
McQueen’s legacy is also preserved in the Glenn McQueen Pixar Animation Center, a studio that was opened in 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. The studio was named after McQueen to honor his contribution to the animation industry and to Pixar. The studio focused on producing short films and television episodes based on Pixar characters, such as Small Fry and Partysaurus Rex. The studio was closed in 2013, but its work remains as a testament to McQueen’s influence.
Conclusion
Glenn McQueen was a remarkable animator who left a lasting mark on the animation industry and on the hearts of many people. He died too soon from melanoma, but his legacy lives on in the films he worked on and in the characters he inspired. He was a great animator, a great friend, and a fantastic family man. He was the heart and soul of Pixar’s animation department. He is missed by many, but he is not forgotten. He is still alive in all of us.
