Will Vinton

Will Vinton, born William Gale Vinton on November 17, 1947, in McMinnville, Oregon, was a pioneering figure in animation, renowned for his innovative work in Claymation. He co-directed "Closed Mondays," which became the first film to utilize this unique stop-motion animation technique and earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

Throughout his career, Vinton produced and directed several notable projects including "Claymation Easter" (1992), "Martin the Cobbler" (1977), and contributed to the iconic "Moonwalker" (1988) featuring Michael Jackson. He was not only a talented director and producer but also the creative force behind the term "Claymation," which became synonymous with his work.

Vinton's studio produced a variety of memorable Claymation characters, with the California Raisins being among the most celebrated. These animated figures gained widespread recognition, particularly through a series of commercials featuring the classic Motown song "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," capturing the hearts of audiences in the 1980s.

Over the course of his life, Vinton was married to Gillian Allred and later to Susan Shadburne. His contributions to the world of animation have left a lasting impact, and he passed away on October 4, 2018, in Portland, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence animators today.