Bud Luckey

Early Life

William Everett "Bud" Luckey was born on July 28, 1934, in Billings, Montana. His early life was marked by service in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he served as an Artist-Illustrator with NATO Allied Occupation Forces in Europe and North Africa, and later with the Strategic Air Command until 1957. His experiences during this time would shape his artistic vision and career path.

Career

After his military service, Luckey took advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend the Chouinard Art Institute from 1957 to 1960, where he honed his skills in animation. He worked under Disney veteran animator Art Babbitt and began his career as an animator for "The Alvin Show" in 1961. Luckey's talents extended beyond animation; he became an Art Director and Producer at an advertising agency, creating memorable characters for commercials, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam. His work at Pixar as a character designer on iconic films like "Toy Story" and "Monsters, Inc." solidified his legacy in animation.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bud Luckey was not only a talented animator but also a devoted father to Andy Luckey, who followed in his footsteps as a producer of the animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Luckey passed away on February 24, 2018, at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich legacy in animation. His contributions were honored posthumously in "Incredibles 2," which was dedicated to his memory, showcasing the lasting impact of his work in the industry.