Gertie is a famous animated dinosaur character created by American animator Winsor McCay in the early 20th century. She first appeared in the short film "Gertie the Dinosaur," released in 1914. Gertie is known for her playful personality and interactions with McCay, showcasing early techniques of animation and character development. The film is significant in animation history as it demonstrated the potential of animated storytelling. Gertie's charm and humor helped pave the way for future animated characters, influencing the development of the animation industry. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in various forms of media and animation studies.