Thanks to their acquisitions of Marvel and Lucasfilm, Disney would become a major box office contender with more superhero films and Star Wars movies being produced each year. Many would shatter box office records. In 2013, Frozen would gross $1.2 billion at the box office, becoming the highest grossing animated film of all time. While merchandising the movie became so popular it made the company another $1 billion within a year and a global Frozen merchandise shortage occurred. Not to mention, how so many young girls wanted to dress up as Queen Elsa for Halloween for the next several years. Unfortunately, that same year, CEO Bob Iger announced that Disney had no 2D films in development and a month later, the hand-drawn animation division was closed and several veteran animators were laid off. In 2014, Disney acquired the multi-channel YouTube network Maker Studios for $950 million. In 2015, the company stated its consumer products and interactive divisions would merge to become a new subsidiary called Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. Later, it placed Marvel Studios under the Walt Disney Studios division. Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016, making it the company’s sixth theme park resort and one where Winnie the Pooh was banned (because the Chinese government cracks down on that). It also attempted to buy Twitter to market content and merchandise but ultimately backe out since Iger thought Disney would take on responsibilities that it didn’t need and that it didn’t feel “Disney” to him. In 2017, Disney announced that it would be ending its distribution deal with Netflix with the intent of launching its own streaming platform by 2019. In November 2018, CCO John Lasseter said he’d take a 6-month absence because of “missteps” reported to be sexual misconduct allegations. Lasseter would later depart Disney where he was replaced as CCO by Jennifer Lee and Pixar head by Pete Docter. While Disney and 21^st Century Fox began negotiating a deal in which Disney would acquire most of Fox’s assets. It also began doing more live action remakes as well.

              With its 2012 release, you may think Wreck-It Ralph was based on a more recent idea given that it’s a film that revolves around video game characters. However, reading its Wikipedia entry, I found the concept surprisingly dates all the way back to the late 1980s. Over the years it would be redeveloped, retitled, and reconsidered several times. In the pre-production stage, director Rich Moore aimed to add licensed characters in order to make a film based in a video game world feel real. But he avoided creating a movie around existing characters on grounds that “there’s so much mythology and baggage attached to pre-existing titles that I feel someone would be disappointed,” viewing this to be a reason why movies based on video game franchises always fail. Which was prevailing logic around the time. Even though recent video game-based movie releases shows that it’s not always the case. Although Moore was almost certainly right to avoid this. Instead, he decided that Wreck-It Ralph would revolve around original characters representative of the 8-bit video game which allowed those involved in the project to take these characters in new directions. With licensed characters being relegated to minor and cameo roles, which later included 188 individual character models in the movie as a result of these cameo inclusions. In addition, they once considered adding a fourth game world that was supposed to be a cross between The Sims and Grand Theft Auto but it was ultimately dropped. For the Sugar Rush sequences, the visual development group traveled to trade fair ISM Cologne, a See’s Candy factory, and other manufacturing facilities. The group also brought in food photographers to teach them techniques to make food appear appealing. Upon its release, Wreck-It Ralph was a critical and commercial success grossing $496 million worldwide against a $196 million budget. It also won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature while garnering nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. In this post, we’ll meet filmmaker Rich Moore, artist and author Brian Kesinger, actors Katie Lowes, Phil Johnston, and Alan Tudyk, as well as the voices behind Fix-It Felix Jr., Markowski, General Hologram, Deanna, and Duncan.

401. Jack McBrayer

Dates: 1973-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Macon, Georgia but moved to Conyers when he was 15. Attended Heritage High School and studied theater at the University of Evansville. At 18, he had a pneumothorax, which he states felt like a heart attack and it was one of the worst pains in his life. From 1995-2002, he worked at The Second City and the IO Theater, an experienced that introduced him to Tina Fey and prepared him for his role on her show. Later would appear in 80 sketches on Late Night with Conan O’Brien before landing  the role  of Kenneth Parcell on 30 Rock.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012) and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) as well as various series, direct-to-video installments,  and the Wreck-It Ralph video game.

Characters: Fix-It Felix Jr.

Also Known For: Actor and comedian best known as Kenneth Parcell in 30 Rock, Wander in Wander Over Yonder, Randall in The Big Bang Theory, and Weird Tom in Odd Squad: The Movie. Film appearances include Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Despicable Me, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, The Brass Teapot, A Thousand Words, The Campaign, Movie 43, Savannah, The To Do List, Cooties, They Came Together, Bad Night, Donald Trump’s The Art of the Deal: The Movie, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Dude, Queenpins, Unfrosted, and You’re Cordially Invited. TV appearances include Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Puppy Dog Pals, Amphibia, The Middle, Big Mouth, Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, Early Edition, Arrested Development, The Colbert Report, The Electric Company, Ugly Americans, Kung Fu Panda Holiday, Bob’s Burgers, The Simpsons, Conan, Portlandia, Funny or Die Presents, Archer, Key & Peele, Drunk History, Childrens Hospital, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, WordGirl, New Girl, The Jack and Triumph Show, Playing House, The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, Our Cartoon President, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Nailed It, The Conners, Call Me Kat, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, The Wonder Years, The Great North, Stupid Pet Tricks, Zillow Gone Wild, Grey’s Anatomy, and Studio C. Stage appearances include Crazy for You and Waitress.

Personal Life: I can’t find anything about his personal life.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: Has been nominated for 5 Emmy Awards. Won a Screen Actors Guild Award for 30 Rock in 2008.

402. Alan Tudyk

Dates: 1971-present

Early Life and Career: Born in El Paso, Texas but grew up in Plano. Attended Plano Senior High School. Had a brief experience as a stand-up comic before quitting after an angry audience member threatened to kill him. Studied drama at the Methodist-affiliated Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, where he won the Academic Excellence award for drama. Also acted as Beaver Smith in an eastern New Mexico summer stock production of Billy the Kid. Was later accepted and attended the Julliard School but left in 1996 without earning a degree. Made film debut in 1997.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Frozen (2013), Big Hero 6 (2014), Zootopia (2016), Moana (2016), Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), Frozen II (2019), Raya and the Last Dragon (2020), Encanto (2021), Strange World (2022), Wish (2023), and  Moana 2 (2024) as well as a few live action films, a couple of series, and the short Once Upon a Studio.

Characters: King Candy, Duke of Weselton, Alistair Krei, Duke Weaselton, Heihei, Villager #3, KnowsMore, Guard, Northuldra Leader, Arendelian Soldier, Tuk Tuk, Pico, Duffle, Radio Host, and Valentino

Also Known For: Actor best known as Sonny in I, Robot, Wash in Firefly and Serenity, Dr. Nolan Werner in Suburgatory, Dangerboat in The Tick, K-2SO in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars Battlefront, Eric Mordon/Mr. Nobody in Doom Patrol, Mickey in Halo 3: ODST, Green Arrow in DC Super Hero, The Joker and Clayface in Harley Quinn, Dr. Harry Vanderspiegle in Resident Alien, Optimus Prime in Transformers: EarthSpark, and Alex Sartorius/Doctor Phosphorus in Creature Commandos. Film appearances include 28 Days, A Knight’s Tale, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, 3:10 to Yuma (2007), Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, Trumbo, Death at a Funeral (2007), Patch Adams, Wonder Boys, Ice Age, Hearts in Atlantis, Meet Market, Rx, Done the Impossible, Knocked Up, Astro Boy, The Ballad of G.I. Joe, Beautiful Boy, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, Conception, Strange Frame, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, 42, Premature, Tell, Welcome to Me, Oddball, Shangri-La Suite, Deadpool 2, Playing God, Distancing Socially, The Trouble with Jessica, and The Electric State. TV appearances include Arrested Development, Dollhouse, Newsreaders, Young Justice, American Dad!, Star vs. Forces of Evil, Strangers with Candy, Fraiser, Into the West, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, V, The Rockford Files, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Robot Chicken, Family Guy, Good Vibes, Justified, TripTank, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Powerless, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Lego Star Wars: All Stars, Santa Clarita Diet, Final Space, The Rookie, Curb Your Enthusiasm, M.O.D.O.K., Devil May Care, Grimsburg, Ark: The Animated Series, and WondLa. Video game appearances include Defense Grid: The Awakening, Halo 3, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Stage appearances include Misalliance, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Epic Proportions, Wonder of the World, Spamalot, Prelude to a Kiss, and An Evening Without Monty Python.

Personal Life: Has been married to choreographer Charissa Barton since 2016.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: Has voiced characters in most Walt Disney Animation Studios films since 2012. Has been nominated for an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Won an Annie Award for his performance as King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph (2012). Once auditioned for the role of Michael Scott for the US version of The Office.

403. Joe Lo Truglio

Dates: 1970-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Ozone Park in Queens, New York City. Grew up in Margate, Florida where he graduated from Coconut Creek High School. Met his future cast members of The State while at New York University where he took part in its sketch comedy group. Wrote and acted in various skits for The State from 1991 to 1995. Later made a series of guest appearances during the late 1990s. Made his first film in 1997.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012) as well as the series Monsters at Work and the direct-to-video Big City Greens: The Movie.

Characters: Markowski

Also Known For: Actor and comedian best known as Charles Boyle in Brooklyn Nine Nine. Film appearances include Wet Hot American Summer, I Love You, Man, Superbad, Role Models, Wanderlust, The Station Agent, Last Man Running, Hitch, The Baxter, Beer League, Pineapple Express, Fanboys, Gulliver’s Travels (2010), Paul, High Road, Queens of Country, My Uncle Rafael, Pitch Perfect, About Last Night, Someone Marry Barry, Knight of Cups, The Breakup Girl, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, and Hot Frosty. TV appearances include The State, Reno 911!, You Wrote It, You Watch It, Law & Order, Cheap Seats, The Sarah Silverman Program, Childrens Hospital, Cupid, Party Down, Sons of Tucson, Mad Love, How I Met Your Mother, Robot Chicken, American Dad!, Bob’s Burgers, Burning Love, Community, Family Tree, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Drunk History, New Girl, Animals, Dice, Easy, The Comey Rule, History of the World Part II, After Midnight, and Night Court. Video game appearances include Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, The Warriors, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Anthem.

Personal Life: Married to actress Beth Dover since 2014. They have a son named Eli.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: None.

404. Dennis Haysbert

Dates: 1954-present

Early Life and Career: Born in San Mateo, California as the eight of 9 children to parents who were from Louisiana. Mother was a house cleaner. Father was a deputy sheriff and airline security guard. Graduated from San Mateo High School in 1972. Since he’s about 6’5,” he was offered athletic scholarships but chose to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Has been in film and television since 1978.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012) and Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)

Characters: General Hologram and Zipper

Also Known For: Actor best known as Pedro Cerrano in the Major League trilogy, Secret Service Agent Tim Collin in Absolute Power, Sergeant Major Jonas Blane in The Unit, God in Lucifer, and President David Palmer in 24. Has been the opening voice for Meet the Press since 2015. Since 2013, he’s been the official spokesman for the Allstate Insurance Company. Has also done promotions for Brigham Young University and the Military Channel. Film appearances include Love Field, Navy SEALS, Heat, Waiting to Exhale, Far from Heaven, A Summer to Remember, Mr. Baseball, Alex Haley’s Queen, The Minus Man, Love & Basketball, Ticker, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, Jarhead, Kung Fu Panda 2, Welcome to the Jungle, The Black Moses, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Think Like a Man Too, Life of a King, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Sniper: Legacy, Dear White People, Experimenter, Dead Rising: Watchtower, Ted 2, The Dark Tower, Kodachrome, Breakthrough, Secret Obsession, Playing with Fire, No Exit, Flamin’ Hot, Summer Camp, Lost & Found in Cleveland, and In Fidelity. TV appearances include Incorporated, American Justice, Lou Grant, The White Shadow, Laverne & Shirley, Quincy M.E., The Incredible Hulk, Galactica 1980, Buck Rogers of the 25^th Century, The A-Team, Dallas, Magnum P.I., Growing Pains, The Young and the Restless, Knots Landing, The Facts of Life, Crime Story, Just the Ten of Us, Night Court, Return to Lonesome Dove, American Playhouse, The New Batman Adventures, Superman: The Animated Series, Now and Again, The Outer Limits, Static Shock, Justice League, Newsreaders, Trophy Wife, The Boondocks, How Murray Saved Christmas, Bluebloods, Backstrom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Undercover, Puppy Dog Pals, Masters of the Universe: Revelation, and Paul T. Goldman. Video game appearances include Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow and Call of Duty: Finest Hour.

Personal Life: Married twice. First wife was Elena Simms from 1980 to their divorce in 1984. Second wife was Lynn Griffith from 1989 to their divorce in 2001. They have 2 children.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: Officiated the coin toss in the 2007 Sugar Bowl game between LSU and Notre Dame. In 2008, he was featured in national TV ads to raise public awareness about lending discrimination, which were commissioned by the US Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

405. Horatio Sanz

Dates: 1969-present

Early Life and Career: Born Horacio Sanz in Santiago, Chile. Grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Performed at various local theaters, including The Court Theater and The Second City. Was a member of the Chicago ETC theater. Was also one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), a sketch comedy and improv troupe. Joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1998 as the show’s first Hispanic cast member.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012) and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) as well as various series.

Characters: Duncan

Also Known For: Comedian and actor best known as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1998 to 2006. Film appearances include Miracle on 34^th Street (1994), Road Trip, Tomcats, The New Guy, Boat Trip, National Lampoon’s Barely Legal, Rebound, The Man, School for Scoundrels, Lucky You, Step Brothers, Me Time, Year One, Freak Dance, Hollywood & Wine, High Road, Bachelorette, The Dictator, G.B.F., Search Party, Don Quixote (2015), Is That a Gun in Your Pocket?, Actors Anonymous, Zeroville, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. TV appearances include Upright Citizens Brigade, Ed, Fillmore!, 30 Rock, Players, Big Lake, Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time, The Problem Solverz, Are We There Yet?, Girls, Drunk History, Comedy Bang! Bang!, BoJack Horseman, Parks and Recreation, Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt, Modern Family, Bubble Guppies, Long Live the Royals, Scorpion, Love, Great News, GLOW, Black Monday, The Mandalorian, The George Lucas Talk Show, Duncanville, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Personal Life: Younger brother of actor Carlos Sanz.

Later Life: Left SNL in 2006 due to budget cuts but has returned to the show a couple of times as a guest. Can still be seen regularly performing with the sketch troupe at their long-running improv show “ASSSSCAT 3000”, at both of the UCB’s comedy theaters, located in New York City and Los Angeles. In 2008, he made his first public appearance in almost a year, after losing nearly 100 lbs. Became a US citizen in 2018 in Los Angeles. Was accused of sexual assault in 2021, claiming that he groped her and made sexual comments when she was under 18. Also said that both SNL and NBC enabled him to groom and harm her and said the 2002 assault happened in front of other staff members. In 2022, Sanz settled with the accuser and the lawsuit was dismissed.

Trivia: Received “high” honors at High Times magazine’s 2003 Stony Awards, collecting the “Stoner of the Year” Award.

406. Rich Moore

Dates: 1963-present

Early Life and Career: Born and raised in Oxnard, California. Studied film and video at the California Institute of the Arts, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1987. While there, he narrated Jim Reardon’s 1986 student film Bring Me the Head of Charlie Brown. In addition to Reardon, he was classmates with Brenda Chapman and Andrew Stanton. After working on Ralph Baski’s Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures, he became one of the original 3 directors for The Simpsons. Started working for Disney in 2008.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Zootopia (2016), and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

Characters: Sour Bill, Zangief, Stormtrooper, Doug, and Larry

Also Known For: Film and television animation director, screenwriter, and voice actor best known for directing primetime animation series such as The Simpsons, The Critic, and Futurama. Directed Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Zootopia (2016), and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Has worked behind the scenes of Bolt (2008), The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tangled (2010), Frozen (2013), Big Hero 6 (2014), Finding Dory (2016), Moana (2016) and Frozen II (2019) as well as several shorts. Also directed Vivo and Spellbound (2024).

Personal Life: I can’t find anything about his personal life.

Later Life: Left Disney in 2019 to join Sony Pictures Animation. Entered into an exclusive multi-year deal with Skydance Animation in 2022 and is reported to direct an untitled project on Jack and the Beanstalk.

Trivia: Has won an Academy Award, 2 Emmys, and 3 Annies.

407. Rachael Harris

Dates: 1968-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Worthington, Ohio. Graduated from Worthington High School in 1986. First award in the arts came during a first grade talent show for her rendition of “Please Mr. Postman.” Mostly due to her brother stuffing the ballot box. Attended Otterbein College where she performed in various plays. A professor there recommended that Harris do comedy instead of drama. But since she wanted to be a stage actress, Harris didn’t initially agree. First acting job during college was in Cincinnati on a showboat called The Majestic, playing Maria from The Sound of Music. Graduated in 1989, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre. Moved to New York City to secure a commercial agent. To earn extra money, she worked as a hostess at restaurants on Broadway and the Upper East Side. All while she auditioned for theater roles, eventually landing a job performing children’s theater along the East Coast. Made her film debut in 1992.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Characters: Deanna

Also Known For: Actress and comedian best known as Susan Heffley from The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Linda White in Natural Selection, Cooper in Notes from the Underbelly, Joanne Dunlevy in Surviving Jack, Dr. Linda Martin in Lucifer, Nora in Goosebumps, and Sheila Sazs in Suits. Film appearances include For Your Consideration, The Hangover, Bad Words, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Old Dads, Mother of the Bride, Best in Show, Stuart Little 2, A Mighty Wind, Daddy Day Care, The Haunted Mansion, Starsky & Hutch, Kicking & Screaming, License to Wed, Evan Almighty, The Soloist, Lovesick, Barely Lethal, Freaks of Nature, and Unfrosted. TV appearances include Star Trek: Voyager, Sister, Sister, Two Guys and a Girl, Grosse Pointe, The Daily Show, Judging Amy, Friends, Fraiser, Reno 911!, Curb Your Enthusiasm, According to Jim, The West Wing, Fat Actress, Monk, 8 Simple Roles, The New Adventures of Old Christine, The Sarah Silverman Program, Desperate Housewives, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Pushing Daisies, Hollywood Residential, Worst Week, The Life & Times of Tim, Cougar Town, In the Motherhood, My Boys, Childrens Hospital, Party Down, Modern Family, Archer, New Girl, Newsreaders, The Office, Maron, BoJack Horseman, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Hell’s Kitchen, Ghosts, and Fantasy Island.

Personal Life: Married twice. First husband was Adam Paul from 2003 to their divorce in 2008. Second husband was violinist Christian Hebel from 2015 to their divorce in 2019. They have 2 sons born in 2016 and 2018.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: Has done commercials for Quaker Oats, Avis, GEICO, and T-Mobile. Has been nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and a Saturn Award.

408. Katie Lowes

Dates: 1982-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Port Washington, New York. Graduated in 2000 from Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in acting sometime later. Had her first screen role in 2004.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Frozen (2013), Big Hero 6 (2014), Zootopia (2016), Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), and Strange World (2022) as well as Zootopia+.

Characters: Candlehead, Abigail, Dr. Madge Honey Badger, and Radio Host #2.

Also Known For: Actress and theater director best known as Quinn Perkins in Scandal and Rachel DeLoache Williams in Inventing Anna. Film appearances include Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Super 8, Side Effects, and Vivo. TV appearances include Rescue Me, As the World Turns, Guiding Light, The Sopranos, Without a Trace, NCIS, Ghost Whisperer, Castle, Leverage, Private Practice, Grey’s  Anatomy, The Closer, Royal Pains, Voltron: Legendary Defender, How We Roll, and This Is Us.

Personal Life: Married to actor Adam Shapiro since 2012. Has 2 children including a boy named Albee born in 2017 and a girl named Vera in 2020.

Later Life: Lives in Los Angeles.

Trivia: None.

409. Phil Johnston

Dates: 1971-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Raised in Neenah, Wisconsin. Father was an Episcopalian minister. Through a connection at his dad’s church, Johnston received an annual pass that allowed him free entry into the Marcus Theatres, a Wisconsin-based theater chain when he was young. Graduated from Neenah High School. Later graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a journalism degree in 1994. Afterwards, he worked in regional television for 9 years, starting as a weatherman in Rochester, Minnesota despite not knowing anything about meteorology. Then worked as a bureau reporter for the Omaha, Nebraska NBC affiliate KETV before transferring to the KARE station in Minnesota. But not without meeting his future wife who was the morning anchor there at the time. Graduated with an MFA from Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program in 2004.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Zootopia (2016), and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

Characters: Surge Protector, Gideon Grey, and Annoyed Citizen

Also Known For: Filmmaker and voice actor best known as one of the writers of Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Zootopia (2016), and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Received special thanks for Moana (2016) and Frozen II (2019). Also worked on films such as The Night Listener, Savage Grace, Cedar Rapids, A Merry Friggin’ Christmas, The Brothers Grimsby, The Twits, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, and The Sea Beast.

Personal Life: Married to magazine columnist Jill Cordes. They have 2 children.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: Was a classmate of Jennifer Lee. Once wrote a script about a preacher’s career and his son’s pornography business, which was based on his side hustle back in middle school selling pornographic magazines he got from upperclassmen to his classmates. Even managed to buy a pair of Air Jordans before his parents found out and shut down his operation. Was neighbors with film critic Christie Lemire while living in Brooklyn. Has won 2 Annie Awards.

410. Brian Kesinger

Dates: 1975-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Los Angeles, California. Was from a family of musicians but the only one not able to play an instrument. Fondness for drawing was so apparent that his parents supported his artistic training during his school days. Started drawing steampunk art long before the term was coined. Was also raised on a steady diet of Disney creations by parents who felt it was important for him to be exposed to art. Was accepted at the Walt Disney Animation during his senior year in high school in 1996. At 18, he’d be the youngest animator in the company’s history. Started as a layout artist for Tarzan (1999) but later filled positions such as visual development and story artist.

Movies and Cartoons: Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Characters: Cyborg

Also Known For: Illustrator, author, and animation artist who’s worked at Walt Disney Studios for over 20 years. Has worked behind the scenes of Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), Treasure Planet (2002), Winnie the Pooh (2011), Tarzan (1999), Chicken Little (2005), Home on the Range (2004), Meet the Robinsons (2007), and Wreck-It Ralph (2012) as well as the Prep and Landing series. Outside Disney, he’s best known for creating the characters Victoria Prismall and her live-in octopus who serves as her friend, butler, and pet, Otto. Starting with Walking Your Octopus: A Guide to the Domesticated Cephalopod. Let’s just say, his artwork’s steeped in steampunk Victorian art.

Personal Life: Has a wife and two children as well as a dog name Scout at one point.

Later Life: Hopes to eventually produce a full-length feature film about Victoria and Otto’s adventures. Mainly to satisfy his wish to see a well-rendered animated steampunk movie. Of course, their popularity has come as a surprise to him along with the fan art, tattoos, and women cosplaying as Victoria at conventions. He also created a mashup of Kylo Ren, Darth Vader, and Calvin and Hobbes which also stars Princess Leia and Han Solor.

Trivia: Has won an Emmy for Blue Eye Samurai in 2024. Received an Annie Award for his work on the Prep and Landing series. Voiced Kano in the Mortal Kombat franchise.