Ralph Eggleston has died at the age of 56 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
The Oscar-winning animator was best known for his work with Pixar on projects such as 2001's For the Birds and Toy Story. He wrote and directed the former, in which he won the animated short film Oscar.
He also worked as an artist on titles such as Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, Cars, The Incredibles and Inside Out. His final credited work came on the 2020 film Soul, for which he worked as a development artist within the art department.
Prior to working with Pixar, he also worked on projects such as Aladdin, The Lion King and Pocahontas.
While his Oscar was his biggest award, he also picked up a number of four Annie Awards, the first coming for best individual achievement in production design on Toy Story. He was also honoured in 2019 with the VIEW Visionary Award.
Following his death, Pixar paid an emotional tribute on social media, writing on the company's official Twitter account: "In memory of Ralph Eggleston - animator, director, art director, storyboard artist, writer, production designer and our dear friend. Pixar wand the world will be forever grateful."
They shared an image of Ralph at work alongside their words.
Jorge R Gutierrez, the creative behind El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and The Book of Life also penned a Twitter tribute. He wrote: "“Adios Maestro Ralph Eggleston.
"A true titan of our art form. He reached out to me after ‘Book of Life’ and I will forever cherish our conversations. Before many knew he was sick he was trying to donate his spectacular art book collection to a Mexican animation school. That’s Ralph."
And many other fans also took to the social media platform to share their own messages of condolence. One user said: "The animation world has lost a giant today. Ralph Eggleston will be remembered not only for his immense contributions to the art form (incalculable) but for who he was as a person."
Another wrote: "If you love Pixar, you loved the work of Ralph Eggleston, a giant in the animation community. Much love and respect to him and his family and friends today. #RIP"
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