Ed Catmull

computer scientist and businessman

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July 20, 2026

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Ed Catmull is a computer scientist and businessman recognized for his pioneering work in computer graphics and animation. He was instrumental in the early development of computer graphics technology at the New York Institute of Technology and later at Lucasfilm Ltd..2

Catmull was a key figure in the founding of Pixar Animation Studios, where he served as president and CEO. Under his leadership, Pixar became a leader in computer-animated films, producing groundbreaking movies like Toy Story, the first fully computer-animated feature film. His contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of modern animation and visual effects in the film industry.12

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Pixar
…team of computer scientists, including Ed Catmull, contributed to the emerging field of computer graphics. In 1979 Catmull was hired by Lucasfilm Ltd., the California-based production company of filmmaker George Lucas, to lead its nascent computer division, and several of his NYIT colleagues followed him there. Aiming to improve graphics…
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…team of computer scientists, including Ed Catmull, contributed to the emerging field of computer graphics. In 1979 Catmull was hired by Lucasfilm Ltd., the California-based production company of filmmaker George Lucas, to lead its nascent computer division, and several of his NYIT colleagues followed him there. Aiming to improve graphics…
Read More