Randy Fullmer, Animator Of ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Dies At 73

Randy Fullmer, an animator who worked on the Disney animated classic The Little Mermaid, died on July 25, 2023, at the age of 73. Fullmer was born in Long Beach, California, in 1950. He began his career as an animator at Hanna-Barbera, where he worked on shows such as The Flintstones and The Jetsons. In 1989, he joined Disney Animation, where he worked on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King.

Walt Disney Animation have confirmed in a statement to Variety that he died of cancer on July 10.

Fullmer was known for his fluid and expressive animation. He was particularly skilled at animating animals, and his work on The Little Mermaid helped to bring the characters of Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian to life. He also contributed to the development of the “Disney Renaissance” style of animation, which is characterized by its lush visuals and emotional storytelling.

Fullmer retired from Disney Animation in 2004. He continued to work as an independent animator, and his work has been featured in festivals and exhibitions around the world. He is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.