Arthur Rankin was half of the team Rankin and Bass that created classic animated series and specials loved by generations of people. Today, twitter erupted with condolences and shared memories of Rankin’s work. Strangely, Rankin passed away in January of 2014. (A similar outpouring of respect occurred then.)
Perhaps the approach of the holiday season led someone to only now discover his passing and make it go viral again. Rankin is best known for the iconic stop-motion animated Christmas special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He was part of many other memorable animated shows like “The Jackson Five,” “The Hobbit,” and “Thundercats” to name a few.
Oddly, this tweet & report are dated today, but he died 10 months ago. RT @BoingBoing Arthur Rankin Jr 1924-2014 http://t.co/mOD4fPLO50
— Nina L. Diamond (@ninatypewriter) November 18, 2014
Just really sad. R.I.P. Animation Legend Arthur Rankin, Jr., 1924-2014 http://t.co/2CHWpk5uSu via @ComicBookdotcom
— Bigby Michael ? (@michaelshizuro) November 18, 2014
https://twitter.com/hiddenla/status/534565870232940544
One half of Rankin & Bass has left us. RIP Arthur Rankin Jr. 🙁 http://t.co/RiCsrnpcWC
— Soul Man (@flipcritic) November 18, 2014
https://twitter.com/carriewiita/status/534572990264922112
The Hollywood Reporter – Animation Legend Arthur Rankin Jr. Dies at 89 http://t.co/3WVUohKk7S
— Kathy Fischer (@kathymfish) November 18, 2014
Recommended
Arthur Rankin, Jr. has stopped-motion at the age of 89. His holiday specials are a staple. Yukon Cornelius forever!
— Cole Stratton (@colestratton) November 18, 2014
https://twitter.com/elleschneider/status/534536779555434496
This calls for an early, honorary "Rudolph" viewing: "Animation Legend Arthur Rankin Jr. Dies" – http://t.co/7vGXporcht
— Rob Anderson (@RobWAnderson) November 18, 2014
Christmas is ruined. RT @THR: Animation Legend Arthur Rankin Jr. Dies at 89 http://t.co/fNwkaBOI71
— Jeremy Levy (@jewgravy) November 18, 2014
A huge part of my childhood dies with this man…. http://t.co/nxgurWQ9lh
— Teel James Glenn (@teeljamesglenn) November 18, 2014
If your death goes viral on the internet twice, your life must have really made an impact.