On Dec. 17, Spider-Man animator Douglas Crane passed away from cancer at the age of 85.
Crane worked on the 1967's animated series -- the first-ever televised version of Spidey -- for its Season 2 and Season 3, comprising a total of 32 episodes. His animation career spanned over 65 years and was even asked by animator Bill Hanna (The Jetsons, The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry) to open and operate Hanna-Barbera's East studio in New York City.
Crane's recent passing was confirmed on Facebook by his daughter, Rose-Ellen, who also shared his luminous career, as reported by Variety.
In 1956, Crane began his animation career as an animator for Terrytoons, which created many animated series, including the iconic Mighty Mouse, and spawned decades worth of comic book series as well.
Crane's animation work appeared on several series and animated films including, but not limited to, Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, Mighty Thor, Godzilla, Heavy Metal, The Smurfs, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, and She-Ra: Princess of Power. He worked with award-winning studios "Terrytoons, Hanna-Barbera, MTV, Filmation, Oriolo Films and Zander Animation Parlour," according to Variety.
For his animation work, Crane received a National Television Commercials for his work with The Wall Street Journal and a Clio Award.
"Some of his favorite work was when he animated the bobbing, rolling, and twisting ship scene in the Raggedy Ann & Andy movie. Watch Crane’s face light up when he describes it in video interviews and you’ll see it for yourself," his daughter wrote in a Facebook post for her father's followers and friends. "Doug was a wonderful, kind, considerate person, a warm and comfortable friend and an amazing father and grandfather who will be missed more than can be put into words."
While Crane was known for his artistic talents, he was equally known for his joy of teaching. He was a professor of classical animation at New York's The School of Visual Arts for 15 years and taught a condensed animation course at his alma mater, Eastchester High School. "Crane was also invited to teach at the Institute of Animation and Film at the Academy of Art and Design, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China," his daughter shared, calling it a "rare honor."
Crane is survived by his children Maureen, Erin, Thomas, Colleen, Caitlin, Kevin and Rose-Ellen and several grandchildren.
Source: Facebook via Variety