"Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family," John Laseter and Ed Catmull of Disney Pixar Studios said today. Apple co-founder Jobs died yesterday at the age of 56 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be remembered most often for his contribution to the computer industry, yet without him we would never have seen some of our favourite animated film characters.
Jobs came to Pixar in 1986, recognising a talent for innovation in what was then a struggling company. His investment and keen personal involvement paved the way to the development of films like Toy Story and massive success for the studio. "Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply 'make it great.' He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people," the studio spokesmen said.
Jobs had four children of his own. Even Barack Obama paid tribute to his work at Pixar, saying "By turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike."
