23 Feb 2013

Roobarb creator dies at 91

Bob Godfrey, the animator of Roobarb and Custard and Henry’s Cat dies at the age of 91.

Roobarb creator dies at 91

Known as the godfather of British animation he was celebrated for short films including the initially banned Kama Sutra Rides Again (1972) and the Oscar-winning Great (1975) as well as his children’s TV series Roobarb (1974)

His seemingly simple drawings were the result of shoestring budgets and a desire to keep his art simple. He was in every way a true amateur film-maker who produced, directed, animated, acted in and did the voiceovers for his films.

Notably he influenced Richard Williams who created Who Framed Roger Rabbit and worked in Godfrey’s basement.

Marvellous guy

On learning of his death he said Godfrey was a “hilarious”, “unique” and “marvellous guy”.

He added that Godfrey would say of his industry that the professionals were “stuck in a rut” and the amateurs weren’t “good enough” so he described himself an “am-pro”

The Good Life

The news of Godfrey’s death comes just days after The Good Life star, actor Richard Briers, passed away at the age of 79.

He was closely linked to Godfrey after his varied career saw him narrating the 1970s children’s cartoon series Roobarb And Custard, as well as adding his voice to the animated version of Watership Down.