Winsor McCay was an American cartoonist and animator, best known for his pioneering work in early animation. Born on September 26, 1869, he created the famous comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland, which debuted in 1905. His intricate artwork and imaginative storytelling captivated readers and set a high standard for comic art. In addition to his comic strips, McCay is recognized for his animated films, particularly Gertie the Dinosaur, released in 1914. This short film showcased his innovative techniques and is considered one of the first examples of character animation. McCay's contributions laid the groundwork for the animation industry as we know it today.