Barry Caldwell, an animator and director known for his work on Animaniacs and the film Osmosis Jones, has died at the age of 68. His work helped shape decades of animation across television and film.
The news was confirmed through a Facebook post shared by fellow animator Paul Dini, who was informed by industry colleague Dan Haskett. Barry studied at the School of Visual Arts and went on to work with major studios including Warner Bros. Animation, Walt Disney Television Studios, and DreamWorks. Dini described Caldwell as both a highly respected artist and a generous collaborator, recalling his deep knowledge of animation and his willingness to share it. He called Caldwell “one of the finest artists” he had worked with and someone widely admired across the industry.
Caldwell began his career in 1980, contributing to Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids before working as a storyboard artist on a wide range of series, including He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Smurfs, and Alvin & the Chipmunks. He later worked on projects such as Kim Possible, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and films like The Tigger Movie, Mulan II, and Curious George.