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Willis H. O'Brien (1886–1962)


In 1949, 16 years after his ground-breaking work on the 1933 film "King Kong", Willis O'Brien worked as Chief Technician on another gorilla film for Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Shoedsack titled "Mighty Joe Young". A young Ray Harryhausen would do most of the animation, but O'Brien did come up with the designs for the film. At the 1950 Academy ... See full bio »

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How much of Willis H. O'Brien's work have you seen?

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2 wins. See more awards »

Photos

Known For

King Kong Additional Crew
(1933)
The Lost World Special Effects
(1925)
Mighty Joe Young Special Effects
(1949)

Filmography

Hide Hide Show Show Special effects (10 credits)
 1957 The Black Scorpion (supervisor of special effects - as Willis O'Brien)
 1949 Mighty Joe Young (technical creator - as Willis O'Brien)
 1933 The Son of Kong (special effects technician - uncredited)
 1931 Creation (Short) (special effects)
 1925 The Lost World (special effects - uncredited)
 1918 The Ghost of Slumber Mountain (Short) (special effects - uncredited)
 1917 R.F.D. 10,000 B.C. (Short) (special effects)
 1916 Prehistoric Poultry (Short) (special effects)
 1915 Morpheus Mike (Short) (special effects)
Show Show Director (9 credits)
Show Show Writer (7 credits)
Show Show Additional Crew (5 credits)
Show Show Visual effects (5 credits)
Show Show Cinematographer (2 credits)
Show Show Animation department (3 credits)
Show Show Actor (1 credit)
Show Show Art department (1 credit)
Show Show Thanks (4 credits)
Show Show Self (1 credit)
Edit

Personal Details

Publicity Listings:

5 Print Biographies | 5 Articles | See more »

Alternate Names:

Willis O'Brien

Spouse:

Darlyne Prenett  (his death) | See more »
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Did You Know?

Trivia:

After his death his protégé, Ray Harryhausen, made regular visits to his second wife, Darlyne, until her death. See more »

Trademark:

Stop Motion Technology

Nickname:

Obie

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