Gwen Sandiff Wetzler | |
|---|---|
| Born | Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Film and television animation producer, director, and animator. |
| Years active | 1955–present |
Gwen Wetzler is an American producer, director and animator and is best known as the first woman to produce and direct animation for a major network.
At a young age while growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gwen Wetzler found her love of art. During high school Wetzler would paint signs for local businesses because of her artistic ability and steady hand. In the early 1950s Gwen was married and moved from Pennsylvania to suburban Los Angeles. In 1955 she started in the animation business at Disney[1] as an in between animator on such classics as Sleeping Beauty and Lady and the Tramp.
In 1977, after 20 years at Disney, Wetzler became the first woman to direct and produce animation at major studios including MGM, Warner Bros. and the Hanna-Barbera Studios.[1][2]
Wetzler's directorial debut was on Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids which led to further projects. Other directed titles include The Transformers, The New Adventures of Batman, My Little Pony,[3] The New Archie/Sabrina Hour, Flash Gordon and Sport Billy among others. Her later directorial work included He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,[3]: 244 She-Ra, Spawn, Tiny Toon Adventures, and All Dogs Go to Heaven: The Series.[4][5]
In the 1980s, Wetzler became the first woman to produce animation for a major studio; she produced The Transformers, Jem, and The Legend of Prince Valiant.[6]
Along with directing, producing, and animating series, Wetzler also worked on feature full-length feature films such as Mighty Mouse.[7]
Gwen Wetzler retired from the animation industry in the early 2000s, giving her time to focus primarily on her artwork.[8]