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Farewell to a Disney Legend: Renowned Animator of the Renaissance Era Dies

After Walt Disney passed away in 1966, his brother Roy assumed full leadership of the studio they co-founded. Tragically, Roy died just four years later. Following his death, Donn Tatum, Card Walker, and Walt’s son-in-law, Ron Miller, took charge of the company, with Wolfgang Reitherman overseeing Walt Disney Animation.

Without Walt and Roy at the helm, Disney’s animated films suffered a significant decline. While there were occasional successes, such as The Rescuers (1977), many of the films lacked the signature Disney magic that had once defined the brand.

Bernard and Bianca in The Rescuers
Credit: Disney

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In 1984, Michael Eisner became CEO, bringing sweeping changes. He replaced the old leadership with a new team and rebranded the studio as Walt Disney Feature Animation.

Just four years later, the Disney Renaissance began — a period that lasted from 1989 to 1999 and marked the release of a series of iconic films. The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994), and Mulan (1998) are just a few of the films that helped define this transformative era.

Sadly, the Disney family and animation enthusiasts worldwide are mourning the loss of Mike Toth, a pivotal animator of the Disney Renaissance.

Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame
Credit: Disney

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Known for his work on iconic films like Mulan and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Toth passed away on December 29 after a long battle with alcoholism.

His daughter, Christine Vergara, shared the heartbreaking news and his life story through a poignant Facebook post, hoping to honor her father and raise awareness about the devastating effects of addiction.

Hello everyone. My name is Christine Vergara, and my dad is Michael (Mike) Toth. He was an animator in Burbank, CA for a very long time, working for studios such as Filmation, Baer Animation, and Walt Disney Studios. My father died on December 29th from a long battle with alcoholism. My dad’s last animation job was with Walt Disney, which gave him over a decade long career with them and the chance to work on numerous classic films. He lost his job from Disney in the early 2000’s, and it destroyed him, leading him to his battle with alcohol and depression. After him and my mom separated, he lived in a camper on his truck, rented rooms, slept in parks and on the streets, was in and out of jail and halfway houses. About 5 years ago, my dad was living on the streets of LA, and I managed to bring him to where I currently live in New Mexico, in hopes of getting him off the streets, caring for him, and maybe helping him with his addiction. I am posting this here in hopes that maybe someone knew him, or even saw him at one of his many Comic Con appearances.

My dad was the most generous, loving, kind hearted person I knew. He loved everyone he met, treating them as though he had known them his whole life. He loved God, and kindly spread the word when given a chance.

I feel broken without my dad. I loved my father more than words could ever express. I hope he knows now just how loved he was in life, and even more so in death. 

Despite his struggles and the pain it put my family through, he was a loving father, and a wonderful grandfather. 

I just wanted to share my dad’s story, and awareness to those struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. My dad was a wonderful man, and alcohol cut his time short. Please enjoy his art. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

disney mulan 1998 black horse kahn full face makeup sad
Credit: Disney

Related: Creative Mind Behind Disney Hits, Including ‘Aladdin’ and ‘The Lion King’, Dead at 68

Toth’s artistic talents brought characters to life in some of Disney’s most beloved films, including Hercules (1997), Tarzan (1999), and Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001). Despite his incredible achievements, his career at Disney came to an abrupt end in the early 2000s, a loss that Vergara explained deeply impacted him.

After leaving Disney, Toth faced significant personal struggles. Christine revealed that he experienced homelessness, battled legal challenges, and navigated life in and out of halfway houses.

However, despite his hardships, Toth never lost his love for art or his family.

Mike Toth Walt Disney Animation
Credit: Christine Vergara, Facebook

Vergara shared that five years ago, she brought her father to New Mexico, hoping to provide stability and care. “My dad was the most generous, loving, kind-hearted person I knew. He loved everyone he met, treating them as though he had known them his whole life,” she said. “I hope he knows now just how loved he was in life, and even more so in death.”

Toth’s journey as an artist and love of animation began well before his Disney days.

According to The Magpie Agency, he developed a passion for Warner Bros. cartoons in the 1940s, eventually pursuing his dream career in animation in 1978 at Filmation Studios. There, he contributed to fan-favorite Saturday morning cartoons, including He-Man and She-Ra, Fat Albert, and The New Adventures of Tom & Jerry. Toth also collaborated with Bill Melendez on Peanuts specials like Snoopy’s Reunion, and It’s Spring Training, Charlie Brown.

disney animated hercules 1997 meg michael bolton
Credit: Disney

Vergara concluded her heartfelt post with a call to action: “I just wanted to share my dad’s story, and awareness to those struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. My dad was a wonderful man, and alcohol cut his time short.”

The loss of Mike Toth serves as a somber reminder of the silent battles that even the most talented individuals face. His art, however, continues to inspire countless fans and animators alike.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

For those grappling with addiction, help is available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their website for more information.

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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