Justin Wright 1981-2008
Justin with girlfriend, Ashlee
It was a shock. I read the mail late last night and it kept me up. This morning we gathered in a small screening room as a Story department for the formal announcement before the news goes out to the studio. Justing Wright passed away last night.
Justin was a very enthusiastic person and full of energy. You'd never guess that he had already gone through so much in life.
Justin’s journey to Pixar has another plot twist. He got introduced to the famous studio because of a heart transplant. When Justin was born, his heart had all sorts of complications: cardiomyopathy, a complete block, a hole between the upper two chambers, a hole in the mitral valve —the list goes on. Finally, when Justin was 12, his heart had been through too many surgeries and procedures to be of much use, not to mention that it was the size of a deflated soccer ball inside his slight 70-pound body. It was time for a transplant.
With a lot of time spent in hospital beds recovering, Justin drew pictures (a hobby he says he started as a kid when he got bored in church). His doctor at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children's Hospital noticed Justin’s interest, and one day, after Justin was fully recovered, took him on a tour at Pixar, where he had some connections. Justin was enthralled—this was what he wanted to do.
I didnt get to work alongside Justin and my memories with him are few. I do remember the day we, the Story Supes, met to decide on accepting Justin to the Pixar story crew as a full story person, no longer an intern. We put on long faces to fake him out and Mark Andrews said that it wasn't going to work out but we couldn't really continue with it and we just said, "Welcome to Story!"
He was so happy. He could hardly contain the energy in his lanky body and even promised that he would work hard and prove us right. He didn't really need to say all those things, we knew he had it in him and the months since then proved it all. I wish we had more time with him.
Our sincerest condolences to his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them.
I'll post more details on this post as I receive them.
Justin Wright's blog Charlie, a deck hand
Pacific Union College Alumni: Justin Wright
Remembrance Blog Roll
Think Radical
Ted Mathot
Yarn and Coffee: Justin
Jeff Pidgeon
John Sanford
James Robertson
Bill Cone
Enrico Casarosa
Alex Woo
Nick Sung
Scott Morse
Cartoon Brew
Austin Madison
Kyle Shockley
Kelly Matten
Rainbow Zookeeper
Phil Rynda
Lindsay
The Animation Blog
The Pixar Blog
Update March 24, 2008
A drawing I contributed to honor Justin last Friday when his family came to Pixar to visit with us. There were boards of his drawings, a sequence he did and caricatures of Justin. A Dave Matthews song (Justin was a huge fan) rendered by Plot Device, the Story band. Family, friends and co-workers spoke--Andrew Stanton spoke as well as John Lasseter himself--about the best of what Justin left us--his optimism, disposition to have fun and willingness to engage in all manner of debates (who will win, Superman or a Jedi?). We were his work family and we miss him.
posted by Ronnie at Wednesday, March 19, 2008
41 Comments:
My condolences to Justin's family, friends and his colleagues at Pixar, especially the tight-knit group working in story.
Way too many over the years and, like those, way too young.
11:23 PM
I've just watched his Portfolio. He was a great artist!
1:31 AM
Though I didn't know the guy or anything, when something like this happens at a cheerful place like Pixr, man, it's double depressing...
8:27 AM
I didn't know Justin at all, but from what I've read on a couple of blogs he no doubt sounds like an incredible guy. Thanks for posting his journey to Pixar, that is one amazing story in itself. It's incredibly sad that he left this world at such a young age. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers.
12:25 PM
I never knew him either , how incredibly sad. The story of the day he got full acceptance at Pixar was very moving. Thank you for sharing that.
8:12 PM
Justin was a dear friend from my childhood. Thanks for doing this. He was a very real and honest person. He knew and loved the lord we will see him agian.
11:31 PM
Justin's career was a blessing to him. I never knew Justin, but as an animation student with a similar illness I can relate. His story has touched my soul. I wish I had the opportunity to talk with him. Blessings to his family and friends.
How grateful he must have been for the opportunity to realize his dreams.
8:05 PM
I felt so sad about this, I didn't know his work until now. So young... may he rest in peace.
12:41 PM
I was there at the funeral, and had grown up alongside Justin as a member of his church and schoolmate for many years. What an incredible life -- by any standards -- and especially despite his lifelong health complications. He will be missed.
10:46 AM
I was Justin's youth pastor from 94-99 in Napa. When I met him he was short and plump and his face was ballooned up from reaction to the anti-rejection meds for his new heart. After he finally got off of them, it was a joy to see him grow tall and slim down. He just blossomed. But his joyful and fun-loving spirit was always there from the first day I met him. On a side note, his mother who taught at our church school, knowing my love for reptiles, gifted me the classroom pet. It was a leopard gecko named Lizzie. Lizzie was lost in the classroom for 5 months. When she was found at the end of the year, she was skin and bones. Mrs. Wright said if I could nurse her back to health, I could keep her. That must have been around '96 or '97. Well, Lizzie is blind in one eye and can't see out of the other so I have to feed her crickets and mealworms by hand, but she's still alive! I often think of the Wright family when I care for Lizzie. My heart aches with them now for their loss, but rejoices with them in the hope of the resurrection when Justin will receive a new body with a perfect heart. Eagerly looking forward to that great day of reunion, NLK
3:20 PM
My condolences to the family. From a Danish storyboardartist.
4:10 PM
thanks Justin , thanks for your passion for life, thru the movies u took part in , share the love that u catches, and the way that people can sacrifice for others. Hugging dream brings final success and honour.#######Thanks Wright Family, because all of u hav given Justin a warm family, provided him chances to live and love , so he can share us what a precious mind . ######## THanks for the PIxar team , u guys are nice and sweet , all of u not only provide our next generation entertainment , but also lessons of heart and soul , thru these delicatedly made films. Let me salute to u all .PAL Lau from HK
11:38 PM
Justin,thanks for all and rest in peace.Victor Kostov from Bulgaria
4:49 AM
j ai vu dans le générique de fin de WALL-E, quelques mots parlant de Justin Wrights avec dates de naissance et date de mort, je n ai pas pu m'empéché d'allé voir qui était Justin Wrights. Toute mes condoléances et BRAVISSIMO pour le film!
9:56 AM
After seeing Wall-E (great movie by the way) I noticed something in the end credits, is was the dedication to a guy named Justin Wright. The only reason I google the name, and thus ending up posting here. Was the fact that Mr.Wright was born the same year as me, and I felt compelled to find out who this guy was, and what he did. It is people like Justin Wright that makes Pixar a great studio!
Fred over minnet til Justin Wright
8:46 PM
Wall-E credits got me here - the same year born too. To say the World is not fair sounds stupid, but sometimes it is really hard to belive, that some people would have deserved much more better chance. The more responsibility for us others, to use the time that was given to us meaningfully.
My condolence too.
4:31 PM
We just rented Wall-e. Great movie!!! After seeing the memorial credit, we googled Justin's name. I read his story to my 11 year old daughter and she decided to become an organ donor. Our condolences to his family.
8:02 PM
Wow, after seeing Wall-E (great movie by the way) I noticed something in the end (credits), is was the dedication to a guy named Justin Wright. The only reason I google the name, and thus ending up posting here. Is really a shame that this wonderful person with the life ahead died so young living all his talents to the world. My condolence to the family.
But as his pastor said we shall be rejoices with them in the hope of the resurrection when Justin will receive a new body with a perfect heart. Eagerly looking forward to that great day of reunion.
That is my hope too, not only for Justin, but to every living person including me.
God bless you Justin and soon I will have the pleasure of meeting you in Paradise.
9:34 PM
Just saw the great movie, memorial message at the end brought me to this blog.
May he ever rest in peace.
5:09 AM
let us make the most of now, and give hope and love to everyone, especially our loved ones. let work not get in the way of this.
1:48 PM
I googled Justin Wright after seeing the dedication in the credits of Wall-E. I am very moved by his story. May he find peace where ever he is. - BM from UK (in tears, and i'm a 22 yo guy...)
8:48 PM
Hi, I'm no one...I'm just a wanna-be illustrator who watched Wall-E today for the first time today and, being an internet junkie, when I saw the 'in loving memory' note, I googled it, and this came up. It's sort of satisfying to know the mystery behind the note, but all the more depressing, in a sense. I mean, the movie already depressed me (it's cute...but depressing, because I can rather see the world turning into that someday, if we don't blow ourselves up first), and hearing about young, creative people like this Justin fellow burn out before their time makes life seem all that more futile, heh.
Oh well, I'll go outside now and plant a flower in Justin's honor, and as one single plant to combat all the destruction ever raging :p [/morbid]
4:19 PM
En los creditos de WALL-E vi que estaba deidicada a la memoria de Justin Wright.
No entiendo muy bien el Ingles pero siendo un chico tan joven entiendo que fue algo inesperado su desaparicion.
Mis condolencias desde España.
5:04 AM
So many people have been plugged to this blog by Wall-E. It must be strange to read so many people come here just from the movie.
But, I suppose that's people's curiosity.
It's very unnerving to find out that such an apparent kindred spirit had fallen into the hands of death, so young and full of opportunity.
My condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers.
For Justin's name to be read in a touching movie like Wall-E must bring many people to question why his name was there. But, it's become clear with Justin's struggle, and accomplishment, to begin to see out his dream.
The movie itself was about humanity dying, surviving, and the sense of 'love' from two AI machines, which learnt for themselves and became their own individuals.
If anyone's read this, thank you for reading, and remember the man who's life began and ended so quickly.
A Kid From Ontario,
Steve R
5:20 PM
Peace, love and happiness. Thank you, Justin Wright! Live on!
7:53 PM
Thanks Justin (and Pixar) for making such a great movie as WALL-E!
2:22 PM
I am so sad to hear of Justin"s passing. It has been a few years but he took figure drawing classes from me at Solano Community College. He was just a super guy and a great student. He worked so hard to render the forms and capture the various gesture poses. During breaks he would sometimes have his guitar and sit and practice, often playing Dave Mathews songs. He must have just gotten the internship at PIXAR when he was in my classes and was just thrilled. He knew it was very special but never flashed it around and was just a humble diligent person. I would periodically wonder where he was and how he was doing and hoped that he was still working at PIXAR.
I also hoped that some day while teaching he would pop in and just say hi and tell me all the great things that were going on for him. So here it is late and I just finished watching Wall-e and decided to really watch the credits and just see if by chance Justin had a credit. My joy for the film sank though when I saw the "In Memory of" with Justin's name. My google search brought me directly to this blog.....I am sad for his lose but pleased by all the wonderful comments people have made. It helps me to reflect on the time I got to spend with him as a teacher and watch the joy he had in art making and being a creative person. I will think of him often.
11:43 PM
Wow,Wall-E brought many people here, same happened with me after seeing the credits at the end. Respect to the life and work done by Justin Wright and deepest condolescence to his family and friends...
12:04 PM
I too followed the credits here.
I've always been amazed by people who experience such struggle and trauma who come out the other end with a thirst for life and a heightened capacity for love.
From what I've been reading it sounds like Justin was that guy.
If Walle survived hundreds of years of solitude on earth, risked his life just to say hello to the girl of his dreams, flew across the galaxy for her "and" saved humanity but then couldn't be repaired, it would have been a more beautiful story.
The parallel is meant with the deepest respect to Justin's family and friends.
10:42 PM
Another seeker for the answer to this 'directive' after seeing the credits, and it brings a tear to a happy ending to read about justin.
4:42 PM
It is weird looking at all the people who noticed the 'in loving memory of justin' in the credits and all googled it (we did the same!!!). Usually we turn the dvd off straight after but so glad we didn't this time and curiosity got the best of us.
Justin is an inspiration because of everything he went through yet carried on to achieve so much.
It is such a shame that such a person was taken so young having been through so much and got so far.
We feel for all his family, friends and colleagues, and anyone who had the opportunity to meet Justin. Reading his story, we wish we had such an opportunity aswell. We are currently university students in the UK and Justin's story brings to life the concept that you can achieve anything as long as you want it enough and have the courage to stick it out. Not many people can touch the lives of so many across the world as Justin has and become such a vast inspiration. Follow your dreams.
Kim and Katie, UK. (his story and all the blogs brought tears too our eyes. So moving) x
3:06 PM
the same credits at the end of wall-E got me here... my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of justin. hats off to pixar for giving due credit to such a genius as him. ur an inspiration justin, may you rest in peace...
4:06 AM
It happened to me too after reading the Wall-E credits :-)
I didnt know Justin yet felt very sad after reading about him :-(
My sincere condolences to Justin's family and friends. Rest in peace Justin. Keep up the good work Pixar and Walt Disney. Wall-E is fantastic same for all your animation movies
4:00 AM
Well, after seeing the movie, Wall-E, and seeing the credits, I saw the "In Loving Memory" message. It brought me to this blog. Wall-E was an excellent movie and I am glad that I purchased it, but I am so glad that I saw the ending credits (I usually turn the movie off when it starts). Justin, I do not know you, but I know that you were a terrific person, and you have inspired so many people already by Wall-E and this blog. May you rest in peace.
**This blog and his story had me in tears, and I am an adult (35 years old).**
5:19 PM
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8:16 PM
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1:59 AM
WALL-E was simply the best animated movie ever!! i googled justin's name right after watching WALL-E as i saw his name in the end.. after watching it i am 100% sure he was a great person.. May his soul rest in peace.
2:18 AM
It's may 2009 and i've just watched Wall-e for the first time. Wonderful movie (as always, Disney&Pixar)!
I did the same thing like you, people, watching the end credits and the sad dedication for this talented man way to young to die.
:((
I hope that you are happy and still creating, wherever you are, Justin.
(a forever fan of animated cartoons from Romania)
4:52 AM
wherever Justin is, he now knows that,is loved, appreciated and remembered... and to think i NEVER read the credits,.. well guess what Justin? I did this time.
Bitter sweet feeling! RIH
Rest In Happiness!! :)
Thank You!
6:45 PM
Wall-e is the great movie! thank a lot to the creators!
I'm impressed..
and.. Allah bless you, Justin.. rest in peace..
6 June 2009, Baku, Azerbaijan
1:31 PM
I googled his name after seeing Wall-E just like many other guys here.
So sad to know the story.
However, God takes away who are best. His works and his spirit will live on.
8:50 AM
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