| Toby Bluth | |
| Birth Name: | Frederick L. Bluth |
| Birth Date: | 11 July 1940 |
| Birth Place: | Texas, United States |
| Death Place: | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation: | Painter, animator, background artist, production designer, theater director, film director |
| Years Active: | 1977–2011 |
| Relatives: | Don Bluth (brother) |
Frederick L. "Toby" Bluth (July 11, 1940 – October 31, 2013) was an American illustrator who worked on many Disney films and others as animator, background artist, and production designer.[1] He had a long career writing and illustrating children's books,[2] as well as performing and directing, nearly one hundred musicals, both on Broadway and off.[3] His artwork is prominently displayed at most of the Disney theme parks around the world. He was the younger brother of Don Bluth, whom he collaborated with on both theater and animation.
Gustaf Tenggren[4] was a big inspiration throughout Bluth's career.[3] When asked how he approached each of his watercolor masterpieces, Toby described his intent as
Creating the moment that you think you saw ... How one remembers a film is often different from the actual film itself.[5]
In addition to his work on Disney films, Bluth created a large portfolio of erotic gay art, as well as commissioned illustrations for gay businesses and publications like The Advocate.[6]
He died on October 31, 2013, in Los Angeles, California, following a stroke. He was survived by his long time partner, Jack Griffith, and his older brother Don Bluth.[7]
| Film | Year | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Art director | ||
| The Tigger Movie | 2000 | Additional background artist / Stylist | |
| Babes in Toyland | 1997 | Director / Lyricist / Background designer / Character designer | |
| The Story of Santa Claus | 1996 | Director | |
| Alvin and the Chipmunks | 1983 | Character designer / Production designer | |
| The Smurfs | 1981 | Background stylist | |
| A Chipmunk Christmas | 1981 | Production designer | |
| Banjo the Woodpile Cat | 1979 | Writer (uncredited) |