Arthur Rankin Jr. was an American producer, director, and writer, best known for his work in stop-motion animation. He co-founded Rankin/Bass Productions in the 1960s, which became famous for creating beloved holiday specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Rankin was born on July 19, 1924, in New York City and began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1950s. His innovative techniques in animation and storytelling left a lasting impact on children's television and film, making him a significant figure in the world of animated holiday classics.