Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Friz Freleng (August 21, 1906-May 26, 1995) began his illustrious animation career at the United Film Ad Service. Eventually his acquaintance Walt Disney put out a call for his Kansas City colleagues to join him in Hollywood, and in 1927, Freleng answered the call. Thus began the renowned career of Friz Freleng. When working at Warner Bros, Freleng helped develop some of the studio’s biggest stars: Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Sylvester, and Yosemite Sam. During his tenure at Warner Bros, Freleng directed more cartoons than any other director in the studio (266).

After World War II, Freleng dominated Warner Bros with colleague Chuck Jones, though Freleng concentrated more on his own characters. This dedication paid off with four Academy Awards for the films Tweetie Pie (1947), Speedy Gonzales (1955), Knighty Knight Bugs (1958), and Birds Anonymous (1957). Freleng continued to work with his beloved characters until late into his life. Freleng died of natural causes on May 26, 1995 at age 88.