A Conversation for Chuck Jones - Animator and Director
Missing Mr. Jones
kokushibyou Started conversation Jun 17, 2002
When Chuck Jones died I wasn't as devastated as I thought I would be. I mean, when DNA left this dimension, I was in tears - but that's probably because his was a life too short and Jones expired, primarily, of complications arising from an extended, and very, very good life.
The other reason I think I took Jones' death more in stride is that I was fortunate enough to have met him on a few ocassions. At a performance of "Bugs Bunny on Broadway" at the Hollywood Bowl, it just so happened to be Jones' 80th birthday and he turned up and regaled us with an hour of stories and anectdotes that had us shooting wine through our noses. As he was leaving, I broke through security and quickly thanked him for his work and thanked his family for sharing him. He prevented security from dragging me off, thanked me in turn and told me to visit his store in Newport Beach (now in Laguna) for a special show a few weeks hence.
Wild dogs and a dodgy carburator couldn't stop me and I spent $800 on litohs and stuff, which Jones graciously signed and - best of all - he remembered me from the Hollywood Bowl! Well, not me exactly, but at that time I used to wear a deerstalker hat everywhere and that's what he remembered seeing. Plus I got a photo with him after he signed some "Bully for Bugs" artwork (my favourite 'toon).
Okay, I've taken up enough room rabbitting on.
Missing Mr. Jones
Blues Shark - For people who like this sort of thing, then this is just the sort of thing they'll like Posted Jun 18, 2002
That's 
.
Thank you for sharing those memories-it's always nice to hear that one's heroes were good people.
Missing Mr. Jones
kokushibyou Posted Jun 19, 2002
Working in L.A./Hollywood for a movie distribution company, I've met quite a few "stars", most of whom I wouldn't rate very well in terms of intelligence/courtesy/common-sense - not anywhere near the types of wonderful people I've met here. And I must say I've been dissapointed more times than thrilled. Mr. Jones was one of the rare exceptions who was always thankful for what he had accomplished and always took the time to get to know his fans and memorize as many faces and names as he could. His family were always quite protective of him, and it seemed to amuse him, as if he needed bodyguards. He was fortunate and talented enough to forever remain that kid watching Saturday morning cartoons, eating cereal directly out of the box and keeping the volume low so he wouldn't wake his parents.
Missing Mr. Jones
Blues Shark - For people who like this sort of thing, then this is just the sort of thing they'll like Posted Jun 19, 2002
That's a pretty good place to be, in my opinion.
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Missing Mr. Jones
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