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Eric Larson

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description Eric Larson Overview

Eric Larson was an American animator and one of Walt Disney's core animators, widely known as the Nine Old Men. He had a lengthy career at the studio, contributing to major films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 to The Great Mouse Detective in 1986. In the 1970s, he transitioned into a primary mentorship role, finding and training the new generation of animators who would lead the studio's later era. He is remembered for his technical understanding of character movement.

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What Disney films did Eric Larson work on?

Eric Larson worked on major Disney productions including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Peter Pan. His Disney career extended from the studio's early feature era into the 1980s.

What were the Nine Old Men?

The Nine Old Men were Walt Disney's core supervising animators, not literal executives or a formal nine-person production team in every period. Larson was one of the group, alongside animators such as Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.

What was Eric Larson's last major Disney-era contribution?

Larson remained connected with Disney animation into the period of The Great Mouse Detective, released in 1986. He also played an important training and mentorship role for younger animators.

Did Eric Larson animate only feature films?

No, his career also included shorts, character development, supervision, and animator training. His work helped connect Disney's classic feature period with later generations of artists.