Person
Martin Taras
Visual Effects · 1914–1994 · New York, New York, U.S
Biography
Martin Taras started his animation career at Van Beuren Studios in 1934 until its closing in 1936. He was involved in the 1937 Fleischer Studios strike, but abandoned it shortly after to take a job for Jam Handy. Following a stint at Terrytoons in the early 1940s, Taras became an animator at Fleischer Studios' successor Famous Studios, where he is known for the creation of Baby Huey. Huey debuted in the first "Casper" comic issue in September 1949, six months before his animated debut in the short, "Quack-A-Doodle-Doo". Taras animated for theatrical shorts and drew comic books featuring characters such as Casper the Friendly Ghost, Spooky the Tuff Little Ghost, Rags Rabbit, Wendy the Good Little Witch, Herman and Katnip, and Buzzy the Funny Crow. Taras departed Famous in 1956 to return to Terrytoons, then under the supervision of Gene Deitch. Taras also served as animator and/or designer for television programs such as "Batfink", "Spider-Man" (the 1967 series), "Josie and the Pussycats", "Super Friends"; and for theatrical motion pictures such as 'Fritz The Cat', 'Lord of the Rings', and 'Wizards'.
Known for

The Lord of the Rings
Animation

Fritz the Cat
Animation

Robin Rodenthood
Animation

Wizards
Animation

Wild Life
Director

The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat
Animation

House Tricks?
Animation
Stunt Men
Director
Cat-Choo
Animation

Heidi's Song
Animation
Filmography
- 1983The Berenstain Bears Play BallAnimation
- 1982Heidi's SongAnimation
- 1982The Berenstain Bears' Comic ValentineAnimation
- 1981The Berenstain Bears' Easter SurpriseAnimation
- 1981Strawberry Shortcake in Big Apple CityAnimation
- 1979A Family Circus ChristmasAnimation
- 1978The Lord of the RingsAnimation
- 1977WizardsAnimation
- 1975Really RosieAnimation
- 1974The Nine Lives of Fritz the CatAnimation
- 1973Teeth Are Good Things to HaveAnimation
- 1972Fritz the CatAnimation
- 1966The Defiant GiantAnimation
- 1966Op, Pop, Wham, and BopAnimation
- 1962Take Me To Your Gen'rulAnimation Director
- 1962Popcorn and PoliticsAnimation
- 1961Hound About ThatAnimation Director
- 1961Goodie The GremlinAnimation Director
- 1961The Lion's BusyAnimation Director
- 1960Stunt MenDirector
- 1960The Littlest BullyDirector
- 1960Thousand Smile Check-UpDirector
- 1960Tusk, TuskDirector
- 1960Hearts and GlowersDirector
- 1959Wild LifeDirector
- 1956Swab the DuckAnimation
- 1955Git Along Lil' DuckieAnimation
- 1955Robin RodenthoodAnimation
- 1953Better Bait Than NeverAnimation
- 1952Clown on the FarmAnimation
- 1952Cat Carson Rides AgainAnimation
- 1951Cat-ChooAnimation
- 1951Slip Us Some RedskinAnimation
- 1950Mice Meeting YouAnimation
- 1950Quack-a Doodle-DooStory
- 1949The Big Flame UpAnimation
- 1949Hep Cat SymphonyAnimation
- 1948Snow Place Like HomeAnimation
- 1947All's Fair at the FairAnimation
- 1947The Baby SitterAnimation
- 1947Naughty But MiceAnimation
- 1947Popeye and the PiratesAnimation
- 1947A Scout with the GoutAnimation
- 1946Rodeo RomeoAnimation
- 1946House Tricks?Animation
- 1945Man's Pest FriendAnimation
- 1942Ickle Meets PickleAnimation
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