Walter Lantz was an American cartoonist and animator, best known for creating the beloved character Woody Woodpecker. Born on April 27, 1900, in New Rochelle, New York, he began his career in animation in the 1920s and worked for various studios before establishing his own production company. Lantz's work in animation earned him significant recognition, including several Academy Awards. He was instrumental in developing the Walter Lantz Studio, which produced numerous animated shorts and characters. Lantz's contributions to the animation industry have left a lasting legacy, influencing many animators and entertainers.