Floyd Norman – Black History Month 2025 #blackhistorymonth

In honor of Black History Month, today we are highlighting the wonderful life and work of animator and cartoonist Floyd Norman. Norman’s work spans decades and touches some of the most beloved films of all time – One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, Toy Story 2, Robin Hood and many more.

Floyd Norman was the subject of the 2016 documentary Floyd Norman: An Animated Life, which is a joe to watch! We highly recommend it. Details from the Criterion Channel (and also check out Norman’s Criterion closet picks here):

Directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey • 2016 • United States
Starring Floyd Norman

In 1956, Floyd Norman made history when he became the first Black animator to be hired by Disney, where he worked on such classics as SLEEPING BEAUTY and 101 DALMATIANS before being selected by Walt Disney himself to serve on the story team for THE JUNGLE BOOK. Featuring testimonials from many of Norman’s colleagues and friends, including Whoopi Goldberg and Leonard Maltin, this warmly affectionate documentary catches up with Norman at age eighty. As vital and youthful as ever, he reflects on his trailblazing career with humility and humor while continuing to be a force in the animation world.