The Real Inspiration And Evolution Of The Betty Boop Cartoon

Animator Grim Natwick

The animator who created (but did not own) the original Betty Boop design for Fleischer Studios was Grim Natwick. Born Myron Natwick, he received his humorous nickname as a reference to his jovial nature. After Betty Boop, he went on to work as an artist with other firms such as Walt Disney Productions, UPA, and the Walter Lantz studio. At Walt Disney, Natwick was the head animator for 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Natwick lived to 100 years old, dying in 1990. There is a film festival held in his honor in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, each year.