Bill Plympton
Bill Plympton: A Life of Animation and Innovation
Full Name and Common Aliases
Bill Plympton is an American animator, filmmaker, and cartoonist, best known for his distinctive, hand-drawn animation style.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 6, 1946, in Portland, Oregon. Unfortunately, there is no record of Bill Plympton's passing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Animator, Filmmaker, Cartoonist
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that encouraged creativity, Bill Plympton began drawing at an early age. He developed an interest in animation while watching cartoons as a child. After high school, he attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he honed his skills in illustration and animation.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Bill Plympton has achieved numerous milestones, including:
Creating over 30 animated shorts, many of which have won awards at international film festivals.
Producing and directing several feature-length films, such as "The Tune" (1992) and "Idiots and Angels" (2008).
Developing a unique animation style that blends humor, satire, and social commentary.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Bill Plympton's most notable works include:
The Tune (1992): A feature-length animated film about a composer who is kidnapped by a group of musical instrument manufacturers.
Idiots and Angels (2008): A dark comedy that explores the complexities of human relationships through a series of surreal, hand-drawn sequences.
Hair High (2004): An animated horror-comedy about high school students who are possessed by demonic spirits.
Impact and Legacy
Bill Plympton's innovative animation style has influenced a generation of animators and filmmakers. His work often pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in animation, tackling topics such as sex, violence, and social critique. As a result, he has become a beloved figure in the animation community, known for his bold creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic expression.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bill Plympton's quotes often reflect his irreverent and humorous take on life. His wit and satire have made him a sought-after commentator on contemporary issues. Additionally, his unique animation style has inspired countless artists and animators, ensuring that his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
In conclusion, Bill Plympton is a true original in the world of animation. With a career spanning over four decades, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. His innovative spirit, creative genius, and commitment to artistic expression have made him a beloved figure among fans and fellow artists alike.
Quotes by Bill Plympton

I'm much better known in France and Germany and Spain than I am in the U.S. When I go to Russia, I get mobbed; I have groups of fans waiting for me out in the hotel lobby, waiting for me to come down off the elevator. In China, I almost got beat up because people were trying to get me to do a drawing for them.


Animation can be a full spectrum of different storytelling techniques and different genres. I think it's sad that there is only one audience that the studios are aiming for and that's the kid audience. It's really tragic that they don't' make films for older people.

Im very happy with the success of short films. In fact, for me, the short films make more money than the features.

I like the idea of seeing a film that has the artist's hand in there,a film where you can see his strokes, you can see his working patterns. It's like going to a museum and seeing a Renoir drawing. You want to see their work and you want to see how they put it together. For me to see that in animation is really fresh, it's really exciting, it's really original.

I'd love to win an Oscar; that would be great. I hope to get a feature film that I've made get a wide release. I'm not sure that's ever going to happen.

I love Pixar films; I think they're the greatest filmmakers in the world. I love Disney films. 'Tangled,' was great. I loved 'How to Train Your Dragon,' the Dreamworks film. But it's not for me. I don't want to make a film for families; I want to make adult films.

Being a talented artist is good, it's nice, but it's not the most important thing. I think being a good storyteller, having a good idea, a good gag, is probably more important than being a great artist.

I listen to Emmylou Harris. She's my favorite. I don't know why, but I just feel more creative with her playing.

I don't see why it's such a stretch for distributors, buyers, and studios to put cartoon characters into adult situations on film.