Myron “Grim” Natwick

Born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Myron “Grim” Natwick earned his nickname in high school as a playful contrast to his cheerful personality. After studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he began his artistic career designing sheet music covers for publishers throughout Chicago, discovering a natural talent for this commercial work.
Natwick is best remembered as the creator of Betty Boop, which he developed while working at the Max Fleischer Studio. His extensive academic art training and thorough knowledge of human anatomy helped him craft Betty’s ultra-feminine physique. In 1939, while still at Fleischer studios, he drew the Prince and the Princess for Gulliver’s Travels. Throughout his career, Natwick worked for numerous American animation studios, including Ub Iwerks studio, Walt Disney Productions, the Walter Lantz studio, UPA, and the Richard Williams studio.
At Walt Disney Studios, Natwick animated 84 scenes for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, including Snow White’s famous gliding run down the grand staircase. He also helped animate Mickey Mouse in Fantasia, Mr. Magoo, Popeye, and Felix the Cat. In 1989, at age 99, Natwick created his only limited edition lithographs of Betty Boop for Circle Fine Art. He died in Los Angeles, California in 1990, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. Natwick is represented by Park West Gallery.