Ted Bastien, Canadian Screen Award-winning director on PAW Patrol and several of the hit franchise’s animated specials for over seven years, has died from cancer. The news of his passing was shared by Guru Studio in a statement:
“Ted was a dear colleague and friend to many of us at Guru. Throughout his illness, Ted fought bravely to be a strong creative leader for his team and to always keep everyone’s spirits high.
Ted started with Guru back in July 2015 after a remarkable 31 years at Nelvana. During his time at Guru, he led our 100+ PAW team through many creative adventures across several series and specials. Ted will always be remembered for his sharp wit, charm, and bright sense of humor. His passion was infectious and his standards unwavering. Ted was an invaluable contributor to PAW Patrol‘s international success and to kids entertainment in Canada and around the world.
Our hearts go out to his entire family and to everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside him. He will be greatly missed.”
A graduate of Sheridan College’s Classical Animation program, Bastien (credited as Charles E. Bastien) lent his skills as a director, storyboard artist and designer to many beloved animated classics and cult favorites, including Babar, The Magic School Bus, Little Bear, jacob Two-Two, Braceface, Handy Manny, Mike the Knight and Clone High.
Guru Studio president and creative director Frank Falcone told Animation Magazine, “This is a tragic loss for the Toronto animation community. Ted was a kind-hearted, gentle giant of a soul and a towering talent that lead with grit and passion. The gruff exterior this lovable grande ol’ grump presented us, belied his sweet, generous good nature and his razor-sharp wit. That twinkle in his eye told us all he still had so much more to offer us. RIP, Ted. We lost ya’ far too soon.”
![Jessie Romero [c/o Yvette Kaplan/Facebook]](https://www.animationmagazine.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/337167889_543688357887071_4773697051549291517_n.jpg)
“It pains me to my core to write that one of the kindest, most loving, most beautiful souls I have ever known has left this world, suddenly and way too soon,” Kaplan wrote. Romero’s wife, Lizzie, and their children were at his side.
Romero’s credits include Emmy-winning series Bob’s Burgers and Emmy-nominated American Dad!, both the 2011 and 2022 revivals of Beavis and Butt-head as well as the Paramount+ movie Beavis and Butt-head Do the Universe, King of the Hill and Bless the Harts.
Animation veteran Yvette Kaplan (Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, Zack and Quack) , who worked with Romero on King of the Hill told Animation Magazine, “We worked together when I first moved to L.A.. It was a hard transition for me, and I kind of kept to myself but he was warm and kind, with the most accepting, loving smile! I think he knew somehow what I was feeling, and this is the most telling thing: during the 18 years since — he ALWAYS reached out to ask how I was. He truly was love, light and joy in human form. He believed strongly in God, and unlike too many, he really lived his truth every day. The world is lesser for his leaving, but I guess he was needed elsewhere.”
John Rice, Supervising Director on Beavis and Butt-Head noted, “Jessie was one of those rare people who make you feel good by just being around them. He was always encouraging, always smiling. We were so blessed to have him on our Beavis and Butt-Head team for the last two years. It hurts to know now that we will no longer have him in our presence, physically, but I know that everyone who encountered him, myself included, will continue to carry his positive energy within them. Jessie’s spirit will continue to remind us that our days aren’t just about drawings and deadlines. We are here to listen to each other, to give encouragement, and to make each other smile — the way Jessie did. The way Jessie always did.”
