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Robert J. Gunther

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Robert J. Gunther
BornApril 7, 1916
Los Angeles, California
DiedJanuary 19, 1979 (age 62)
Los Angeles, California

Robert "Bob" J. Gunther (1916-1979) was a magician and Disney animator who worked on Fantasia, Bambi, and other classics.

Biography

Gunther's interest in magic began in childhood and was encouraged by a Gilbert Mysto Magic Set. At an early age with other adolescents founded the Mystic Thirteen Club and was a life long friend of Floyd G. Thayer. After graduating from the specialized art school, Chouinards, he found employment with Walt Disney. He soon joined Assembly 22 of the Society of American Magicians (member no. 3656), and later the P.C.A.M., and the Magic Castle.

Gunther left Disney Studios to go on tour with his conjuring. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where his talent in art was put to use creating motion pictures to train personnel. After the war North American Aviation asked him to start a new film division where he won awards, and remained with until serious heart trouble forced his retirement.

Gunther became Chairman of the S.A.M. Film Library Project (which was in such poor shape that its very existence was threatened) restoring old films. He also helped with the creation of a physical existence S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum. [1]

He illustrated many magic publications, and his work appeared in Genii and MUM. His effect for the Die Box, was published in the Genii 1966 May in the Magicana column.

References

  1. Broken Wand, MUM, July 1979