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Biography: Myron “Grim” Natwick

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Birth/Death

B. August 16, 1890
D. October 7, 1990

Occupation/Title

Animator

Bio Summary

On August 16, 1890, Myron “Grim” Natwick was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. ?In high school Natwick was known for his art as well as his poetry. He and his brother, ?Buff, were also high school football stars. After high school Natwick went to college and onto to a career in animation where he made shows like Betty Boop and helped ?with movies like “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by Disney. Natwick lived ?to be 100 year old, and died from pneumonia and a heart attack.

Early Life/Family

Grim Natwick’s Grandfather, Ole, one of the earlier Norwegian people to ?immigrate to America, had 11 children. Grim’s first cousin was the famous?Mildred Natwick, and his brother Frank was supposedly was one of the first ?Wisconsin athletes to be invited to the modern Olympics in 1908. Frank was a high hurdler ?for the University of Wisconsin where he was also the president of his class. Grim ?Natwick had five brothers and two sisters including Frank, the others were named;?Ruby, Albert (Buff), Donald, John (Rux), Vernon (Deeds), and Gladys.

Education/Training

Natwick trained in art schools in Chicago, New York and Vienna before becoming an ?animator in 1921.

Career Outline

In 1921 Natwick became an animator for the Hearst Film Service. Later, Grim went to ?work for Max and Dave Fleischer, and created Betty Boop. After that, Grim joined Disney in 1935 were he worked as the lead animator for the movie “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Natwick also worked as director for Gulliver’s Travels (1939), and worked on a number of short cartoons for television and theatrical release.

Comments On Style

Influences

Personality

There are two different stories on how Myron received the nickname “Grim.” Some say that Natwick got his nickname from his solemn persistence and dedicated work habits. Others say he ?got it because of his anything but – “Grim” personality in high school.

Anecdotes

At Natwick’s one-hundredth birthday party it is rumored that he ?said, “Well what do you want from me now… 200 years?!”

Miscellaneous

Filmography

Wise Flies (1930) (animator) (uncredited)
Dizzy Dishes (1930) (animator)
Swing You Sinners! (1930) (animator) (uncredited)
Mysterious Mose (1930) (animator) (uncredited)
Bimbo’s Initiation (1931) (animator) (uncredited)
The Office Boy (1932) (animator) (uncredited)
Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp (1934) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)
Viva Willie (1934) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)
The Valiant Tailor (1934) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)
The Cookie Carnival (1935) (animator) (uncredited)
Mickey’s Fire Brigade (1935) (animator)
Broken Toys (1935) (animator)?Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) (animator: “Prince Charming”) (as Grim Natwick)
Trouble Indemnity (1950) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)
The Popcorn Story (1950) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)
Bungled Bungalow (1950) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)
Rooty Toot Toot (1951) (animator)
Georgie and the Dragon (1951) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)
Terror Faces Magoo (1959) (animator) (as Grim Natwick)?The Mighty Hercules (1963) TV Series (directing animator) (as Grim Natwick)?Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure (1977) (animator)?Arabian Knight (1995) (animator)??… aka Princess and the Cobbler (Australia)??… aka The Thief and the Cobbler (USA: video title)?