I just read this thread over at AnimationNation.com that the last of Disney’s “Nine Old Men”, Ollie Johnson, has passed away today. While the news comes as no surprise as Ollie was 95 years old, his death truly marks the end of an era. Watch ANY classic Disney film and you’ll see his work in just about every other scene. In the early 80’s, Ollie and his life long partner in animation crime, Frank Thomas, wrote one of thedefining books on animation, “The Illusion of Life”, which is still read today by students and pros alike. Ollie was instrumental in bringing the art of animation into what we see today. After the jump is a great interview that was conducted with Ollie a number of years ago.

Rest in peace, Ollie.

Ollie Johnson seated with Frank Thomas.