Monsters, Inc. Screenwriter Daniel Gerson Dead at Age 49, Leaves Behind Incredible Animation Legacy

Disney-Pixar star also worked on Monsters University, Up and more

By Francesca Bacardi Feb 08, 2016 5:49 PMTags
Daniel GersonJeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Talented screenwriter Daniel Gerson, who co-wrote Monsters, Inc., died Saturday at home. He was 49.

Gerson had been battling brain cancer, according to a statement released by his family, but before he passed he left an incredible footprint behind. Often collaborating with Robert L. Baird on Disney-Pixar films, Gerson was responsible for prequel Monsters University and Big Hero 6, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The 49-year-old screenwriter was also credited with working on Up, Chicken Little and Inside Out, so he basically had a hand in every amazing creation to come out of Disney-Pixar's studios. He also worked on Meet the Robinsons, debatably one of Disney's most underrated animated films, as well as Sony's Open Season.

Some of Disney-Pixar's most beloved characters are a result of Gerson's work, such as James P. Sullivan, Mike Wazowski, adorable Boo and Baymax. Never forget Michael Yagoobian (AKA Goob) and Lewis, who are the epitome of frenemies. Where would we be without Wazowski's incessant need to schmooze Roz to get out of trouble?

"Roz, my tender, oozing blossom, you're looking fabulous today. Is that a new haircut? Come on, tell me it's a new haircut, isn't it? It's got to be a new haircut. New makeup? You had a lift? You had a tuck? You had something? Something has been inserted in in you that makes you look," our favorite tiny monster would plead.

"Listen, I need a favor. Randall was working late last night out on the scare floor. I really need the key to the door he was using."

That's Gerson's work right there—with some help from co-writer Andrew Stanton, of course.

"We had never written a prequel, and when we looked at the prequels out there, there weren't that many, and the ones that were out there weren't great," Gerson said in a 2013 interview of working on Monsters University.

"[The challenge was], how do we get people to come along on this journey even though they know where we're ending up?...If we've done our job, the audience will get so invested it's still going to be somewhat of a surprise."

Dedicated to the film industry, Gerson was working on Cars 3 when he passed away. He is survived by his wife, two children and parents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gerson's family.

Watch: In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2016

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