Introduction
Don Figlozzi (January 17, 1909 – June 1981) was an American animator and cartoonist. A veteran of Fleischer Studios and member of the National Cartoonists Society, he spent the first half of his career in animation and the second half at the New York Daily News, where his cartoons, signed "Fig," became a fixture. Historian Harvey Deneroff of the Savannah College of Art and Design suggests that Figlozzi may have created the first animations to be used on television.
Biography
Early life and education
Born in Brooklyn, New York City of Italian immigrant parents, Figlozzi began his art instruction with the Landon cartoon course and attended Pratt Institute, Cooper Union and Art Students League of New York.
Fleischer Studios
Figlozzi joined Fleischer Studios in May, 1931 where he worked as an animator on Popeye films.
World War II
During the Second World War, Figlozzi worked on training films for the Army Signal Corps.
WPIX TV
As Graphic Art Director for WPIX TV, Figlozzi was one of the first television animators.
Disney
While employed at The Walt Disney Company, Figlozzi worked as an animator.
Terrytoons
Figlozzi participated in the 1947 Terrytoons strike.
Daily News
For the New York Daily News, Figlozzi illustrated columns for writers Bob Sylvester and Charles McHarry. Figlozzi also worked as an editorial cartoonist and created an ongoing cartoon gag strip entitled, FIGure This.
Awards
Figlozzi was a two-time prize winner (second and third place) in Time magazine's As Seen By cartoon contest.
Member, National Cartoonists Society.