Ralph Eggleston Cause of Death Tragic: Famed Pixar Animator Dead at 56

Ralph Eggleston, popularly known for being an animator for Pixar Animation Studios and one of the people responsible for the success of "Toy Story," died at the age of 56.

According to Variety, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker passed away after battling pancreatic cancer.

The media giant initially announced his death through an e-mail to staff members according to IMBd, but they now paid tribute to the animator in a post.

Taking to their official Twitter account, Pixar shared a photo of Eggleston while working on "Inside Out."

"In memory of Ralph Eggleston-animator, director, art director, storyboard artist, writer, production designer, and our dear friend. Pixar and the world will be forever grateful," they wrote.

READ ALSO: 'House of Dragons' Episode 2 Disgusts Over 'Incest and Child Abuse' Involving Fan Favorite

Ralph Eggleston's Life

According to The Wrap, the filmmaker, who was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1965, kickstarted his career with Bill Kroyer, a former animator for Disney.

They previously worked on several projects like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and more. Eggleston later made his directorial debut for "Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest."

Following this, he became one of the company's core animators as he worked on renowned films like "The Lion King," "Pocahontas," "Aladdin," and many more.

Prior to joining Pixar Animation Studios in 1992, the company was in full transition from making software and commercials to a full-time movie-producing studio.

He later worked with the media giant on one of the most iconic animated movies of all time, "Toy Story."

He worked on the film as an Art Director and many fans could see his work on the movie because the family of Andy's character used a van that was named after the filmmaker, "Eggman Movers."

Aside from working with Pixar, he also worked for DreamWorks Animation on films like "The Road to El Dorado."

He also still had credits on Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" while working at Pixar.

Although he mainly worked as an animator, he also served as a director and writer in some projects like his "For the Birds" short film in 2000 that bagged an Oscar Award for Animated Short.

Aside from the coveted award, he was also honored with the Winsor McCay award in 2018 for his contributions to the animation industry.

Other recognitions include an Annie Award for his work on "Toy Story" and three more for "Finding Nemo" and "Inside Out."

READ MORE: Chris Rock Breaks Silence on Will Smith Oscars Slap, Shuts Down Offer to Host Awards Show Again