Hidden Figuras: Bill Melendez

Did you know a Mexican-American animator was the voice of Snoopy and the man behind "A Charlie Brown Christmas Special?"
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José Cuauhtémoc "Bill" Melendez was one of the most influential animators of our time and is a part of all of our childhoods. His credits include "Pinocchio," "Dumbo," "Bambi," and the beloved, "A Charlie Brown Christmas Special." But being one of the few Latinx in his industry did not come without its challenges.
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Founded by Zoe Saldana, BESE's mission is to broaden and reshape the cultural narrative by shining light on the untold stories that reflect today’s America. We respect all identities and admire the people who have the courage to say, “this is who I am.”
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[@TacomanDezzy]

That’s my great Uncle

[@jamesa6494]

Another popular Mexican American animator during that era was Phil Roman who served as lead animator for The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and other cartoon specials. His animation company also produced The Simpsons.

[@familyvideocomputer719]

lol "mexican american" ahahahah

[@plinkertonman]

​@@familyvideocomputer719 Bill could be classified as a Mexican-American (born in Mexico, lived in America, dual citizenship), but Phil not really (just born and raised in America).

[@dannyzukko6941]

Im so proud to be of Mexican descent yay Bill Melendez

[@familyvideocomputer719]

p´rrr ahaha mexican is not a race you cant decend from a nationality

[@plinkertonman]

@@familyvideocomputer719 you could lmao, that is actually the correct term. Literally defined as "the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality." if I were to have children in Argentina, they would be Argentines of American descent.

[@YogsenForfoth]

What a truly incomparable man. RIP amigo. ❤️

[@royjuancamaney2693]

His brother s and sister Named Cuitlahuac Xicotencatl Cuauhtémoc ( he) And XOCHITL NAME AZTECAS Y JAIME MELÉNDEZ BORJA EN MÉXICO

[@samuelcorona9214]

🇲🇽

[@hell0hkitty]

my tio.

[@EM-td9rn]

X2

[@hell0hkitty]

@@EM-td9rn where are you? how are you related??

[@DjLou82]

a legend!!!! 🙏🏼

[@EM-td9rn]

@@hell0hkitty In México City My uncle My father was Jaime Melendez Brother of José Cuauhtémoc... We have many fotografía Of them. Booth..

[@lixxeth-]

wow, what a truly special story ❤️

[@gilition]

He was great. Porky Chops has some of his best work.

[@joemancini327]

He worked for the Disney studio on snow white

[@theluckiesteh9058]

Mexico's Greatest Animator!

[@royjuancamaney2693]

AZTECA IN FACT

[@dianachavez5033]

Shhhh SI ESTAS ABLANDO DE MEXICO DEPERDIDO ABLA EN ESPAÑOL

[@dianachavez5033]

@@royjuancamaney2693 tu tambien

[@EM-td9rn]

@@dianachavez5033 Diana. Solo le conteste. NO se si habla español. Pero yo si. Recordando a mi tio BILL MELENDEZ. Con mucho cariño. Muy parecido a mi abuelo el general Ramón melendez Rodríguez. Y mi querido padre Jaime Melendez Borja

[@dianachavez5033]

@@EM-td9rn te doy mi pesame Hasi que DEJAME DESIRTE QUE MIS IDOLOS SON TODOS LOS MELÉNDEZ

[@swapmeetsheriffdonknottexp3046]

He needs a star. They give it to %/\*€+*#&&#/÷\÷&and not him?