Canadian animator, director, and film producer Robert Verrall passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 97. This year has already seen a number of losses in the entertainment industry, and each will be fondly remembered for their contributions to cinema.
Verrall, a pioneering figure in animation, left an unforgettable mark through his work with the National Film Board of Canada, inspiring generations of animators and filmmakers. His legacy will continue to be celebrated through his timeless and iconic animations.
How Did Robert Verrall Die?
Suzanne Guèvremont, the chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada, released a statement following Robert Verrall’s death. She said,
“Robert Verrall was one of the builders of the NFB, who possessed a keen eye for great stories and talented creators.”
She also added,
“He was an ally when trailblazers like Kathleen Shannon founded Studio D, the world’s first publicly funded feminist filmmaking studio. Robert truly helped to shape the modern NFB, and we are deeply grateful for his legacy.”
The reason behind Verrall’s death remains undisclosed as the industry and his close ones remember his life and legacy.
Robert Verrall’s Impressive Work Over the Years
Robert Verrall was one of the first to join the National Film Board of Canada’s animation unit and worked on some notable titles like The Romance of Transportation in Canada, What on Earth!, Cosmic Zoom, and The Drag.
Verrall’s other work as co-animator, animator, director, and producer also included titles like The Three Blind Mice, A Story About Breadmaking in the Year 1255 A.D, Ottawa: Today and Tomorrow, Hors-d’oeuvre, The Great Toy Robbery, Tax Is Not a Four-Letter Word, Little Red Riding Hood, Arthritis: A Dialogue with Pain, Boomsville, A is for Architecture, and The Men in the Park among several others.
Many of Verrall’s works received critical acclaim, nominations from prestigious award panels, and recognition in Canada and beyond as his impeccable career spanned over decades, and will be remembered and studied for decades to come.
Conclusion
Robert Verrall‘s passing marks another significant loss to the entertainment industry in 2025, leaving a lasting void in the world of animation. As we celebrate Verrall’s remarkable work and enduring legacy, now is the perfect opportunity to revisit some of his most iconic and beloved projects.
Doing so will not only honor his memory but also introduce his groundbreaking animation to a new generation of fans and artists.