Charles-Émile Reynaud was a French inventor and pioneer of animation, born on December 8, 1844. He is best known for creating the Praxinoscope, an early animation device that improved upon the Zoetrope. Reynaud's work laid the foundation for modern animation techniques and he is often credited with being one of the first to project animated films to an audience. In 1892, Reynaud introduced the Théâtre Optique, a system that allowed him to project his animated drawings onto a screen. His animated shorts, such as "Pauvre Pierrot," captivated audiences and showcased his innovative storytelling. Reynaud's contributions significantly influenced the development of cinema and animation in the late 19th century.