Ben Sharpsteen

Director

Birthday November 4, 1895

Birth Sign Scorpio

Birthplace Tacoma, WA

DEATH DATE Dec 20, 1980 (85)

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About

Remembered for his work with Disney, this American filmmaker directed the Pinocchio and Dumbo animated features and produced and/or directed a series of Academy Award-winning, nature-themed documentary films (Seal Island, Bear Country, The Living Desert, etc.).

Before Fame

He began his career in the early 1920s. His first projects include the short films "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Zip" and "The Village Blacksmith."

Trivia

He founded a museum in honor of California millionaire Sam Brannan.

Family Life

He was born in Tacoma, Washington, and he later lived in Sonoma County, California.

Associated With

He and Wilfred Jackson both directed popular Disney movies of the 1940s and 1950s (Jackson was one of the directors of Cinderella).