Joe Hale, former Disney animator and producer, recently passed away at age 99 on January 29, 2025. Hale worked on inbetweening animation techniques, which involve creating intermediate frames within animated films. His known works include classics such as: Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Lady and The Tramp, The Jungle Book, and Mary Poppins. Hale oversaw the production of The Black Cauldron in 1985, which was his first role as a producer. He also orchestrated a staff of over three hundred animators for the film, including up-and-coming filmmaker at the time, Tim Burton.

After serving in the United States Marine Corp. during World War II, Hale attended The Michigan Academy of Arts and later graduated from Lukits Academy of Fine Arts in Los Angeles. Following his graduation from Lukits, Hale was hired for Disney in April 1951.

During his career, Hale received one Academy Award nomination in 1979 for his film The Black Hole in the category of Best Special Effects.  In 2008, he was given the Honorary Disney Award by The National Fantasy Fan Club.

Archival footage of Hale was used for the documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty, which is a case study of the history of Walt Disney Animation from the years 1984 to 1994.

After his career with Disney, Hale chose not to work in Hollywood. He lived the rest of his life as a sculptor before his death in his California home. Joe Hale is survived by his wife Sarah Noyes, his son Steven, and his grandchildren, Camille and Travis.