Otto Messmer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otto J. Messmer
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Messmer in 1983
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Otto James Messmer
August 16, 1892 Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Died | October 28, 1983 (aged 91) Fort Lee, New Jersey, U.S.
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Notable work
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Felix the Cat |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Messmer |
| Children | 2 |
Otto James Messmer (born August 16, 1892 – died October 28, 1983) was an American animator. He is famous for his work on the beloved Felix the Cat cartoons and comic strip. These were made by the Pat Sullivan studio.
There has been some discussion about how much Otto Messmer helped create Felix the Cat. He only fully claimed his role after Pat Sullivan passed away. Until then, Sullivan usually received all the credit.
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Otto Messmer's Early Life
Otto Messmer was born on August 16, 1892. His family was German and Catholic. They lived in West Hoboken, New Jersey, which is now part of Union City, New Jersey. He went to Holy Family Parochial School.
From a young age, Otto loved vaudeville and the entertainment world. His parents and teachers helped him discover this passion. From 1911 to 1913, he studied at the Thomas School of Art in New York City. He also worked at the Acme Agency, drawing pictures for fashion catalogs.
Otto Messmer's Career
Otto Messmer's true passion was drawing cartoons. He was inspired by Winsor McCay's animated films, like How a Mosquito Operates. In 1912, Messmer started making his own comics for local newspapers. That same year, he met Anne Mason, whom he married in 1934. One of his comics, Fun, was part of the Sunday comics page for New York World.
Starting in Animation
In 1915, Messmer signed a deal with Universal Studios. He was to make a test film for a character he created called "Motor Mat." This film was never released. However, it caught the eye of animator Pat Sullivan. Messmer decided to work with Henry "Hy" Mayer, a well-known cartoonist, instead.
Mayer and Messmer worked together on a successful animated series. It was called The Travels of Teddy and was about the life of Teddy Roosevelt. Later, Messmer joined Sullivan's studio. Sullivan managed the business side, while Messmer handled the creative work. When Sullivan was away for a time in 1917, Messmer briefly returned to work with Mayer. Then, Messmer was called to serve in World War I.
Creating Felix the Cat
When Messmer returned to the United States in 1919, he went back to Sullivan's studio. They were hired by director Earl Hurd to make a cartoon short film. This short film would play before a feature film. Sullivan gave this project to Messmer.
Messmer's final cartoon was Feline Follies. It starred a black cat named Master Tom. This cat was an early version of Felix. The character of Felix was known for bringing good luck to people in trouble.
There is some debate about how much Sullivan was involved in this project. Some handwriting in the animation has been identified as his. Also, the Australian word for mother, 'MUM', is used in a speech bubble in 'Feline Follies'.
Felix's Popularity and Legacy
Felix was the first cartoon character made specifically for the screen. He was also the first to become a widely sold character with licensed products. His design and unique personality were very influential.
Pat Sullivan took the credit for Felix. Even though Messmer directed and was the main animator for all the episodes, only Sullivan's name appeared on screen. Messmer also oversaw the Felix newspaper strip. He did most of the drawing and inking for the strip until 1954.
Felix the Cat appeared in over 150 cartoons until 1931. This was when animation studios started making sound films. The newspaper strip's popularity began to fade in the late 1930s. However, Felix was introduced to new fans through comic books in the 1940s. Messmer then worked with Douglas Leigh on the large moving electronic signs in Times Square.
Messmer also produced more Felix comic books in the 1940s and 1950s. He worked for companies like Dell Comics, Toby Press, and Harvey Comics. He also did animation for Famous Studios, and some Popeye cartoons show his credit. By the 1960s, Felix was remade for television. Messmer's longtime assistant, Joe Oriolo (who created Casper the Friendly Ghost), made sure Messmer was finally credited as the creator of Felix the Cat. Messmer continued working on the character for the rest of his life.
Death and Legacy
Otto Messmer passed away from a heart attack on October 28, 1983. He was 91 years old. He died at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey. Today, Felix the Cat cartoons are shown in over 250 newspapers around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Otto Messmer para niños
