They’re not just names…

PeanutsImage via Wikipedia

If you are like most people (myself included), you don’t pay all that much attention to the end credits of a movie or television show. The presiding thought is why should I? I don’t know these people, and the show is over and I need to move on.

Our personalities are largely defined by our experiences and the ones that stick with us, regardless of how old we get. Popular media like books, movies, theater, etc play a large role in those influences. We tend to fixate on the popular or visible names, notably actors/actresses, authors or directors. However, in each case, there is a long list of people who actively contribute to these experiences yet barely get more than a second glance.

Bill Melendez is one such name, and we lost him last Tuesday. His was a name I had seen many times but never really thought of. However, when I think about what he contributed to, I think the world is a lesser place without him.

Three generations of my family have all been avid fans of Disney, Looney Tunes and Peanuts for a long time. My mother, I, and now my daughter all derive a certain joy from watching these characters on screen; sometimes in episodes we have all seen many, many times. When I look at the extensive list of those titles that he contributed to as a director, voice, or animator, I can’t help but think about what a profound contribution he made to memories that I still carry with me.

The people whose names appear on the screen are creators, artists, writers, and all-around people who have a passion for what they do. What they do is work to bring entertainment to the public. Sometimes what they produce doesn’t come across that well, and sometimes what they produce resounds in our memories for years.  As someone who aspires to create something that will live long beyond my own mortal years and influence others, this is something I have a profound respect for.

So the next time you watch your favorite show or movie, stop a moment to look at the names on the credits. You don’t have to memorize them, just know and acknowledge them and remember the role they played. You never know of that experience will be something you carry with for years to come.

Bill Melendez died at age 91, and for over 60 years he played an active role in making children (and adults) smile and laugh. Call me crazy, but I think that’s something worth remembering.

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