Writer and director Robert James Gibbs, a two-decade veteran of Pixar Animation Studios, has passed away at age 55. The cause of death and other details were not immediately available. The news has circulated on social media through condolences posted by former and present co-workers. Some of their comments are shared below.
Gibbs directed or co-directed numerous projects at the studio over the years, including Tokyo Mater (which screened theatrically in front of Disney’s Bolt), Air Mater (the first production at the short-lived Pixar Canada), episodes of Mater’s Tall Tales, and the upcoming Disney+ series Monsters at Work, based on the Pete Docter-created franchise.
As a story artist, Gibbs contributed to many of the studio’s most beloved films including Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Up, and Wall-E. (Note: His IMDB page inaccurately attributes animation credits to him that belong to another Pixar employee, Robb — with two Bs — Gibbs.)
