French Animator Olivier Jean-Marie Passes Away

Olivier Jean-Marie, a creator, director, mentor and pillar of Xilam Animation’s studio, has passed away at the age of 60.

Jean-Marie helmed more than 300 episodes of Xilam’s Oggy and the Cockroaches series, along with The New Adventures of Lucky Luke and the feature films Go West, a Lucky Luke Adventure and Oggy and the Cockroaches: The Movie. He directed the second season of Space Goofs, having overseen the animation of the first. He also created and directed the series Zig and Sharko and contributed to concepts of the series The Daltons, Welcome to the Ronks and Mr Magoo. He also penned several hundred episodes of these series.

He was the founder of the slapstick spirit that defines Xilam’s studio, where remained until his retirement in 2018.

Marc du Pontavice, CEO and executive producer of Xilam, said: “Olivier was an animation master, a mentor and a friend. His talent and vision have inspired so many artists, who will carry on his legacy. He will also live on through the characters he created, beloved by generations of kids who grew up with them.”