Art Babbitt
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Art Babbitt was an American animator who joined Walt Disney Studios in 1932 and became instrumental in developing the studio's animation techniques, later named a Disney Legend in 2007.[1]
Character work
Babbitt is best known for bringing "unique mannerisms and a rather clumsy walk" to Goofy, elevating the character to stardom. His other significant work included the Evil Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Geppetto in Pinocchio, the stork in Dumbo, and the mushrooms in the Nutcracker Suite segment of Fantasia.[1]
Labor advocacy
Beyond his animation work, Babbitt helped establish art classes for Disney animators and was a vocal union advocate, which led to his departure from the studio during the contentious 1941 strike. He returned briefly from 1946 to 1947.[1]