Tyrus Wong, the artist whose paintings inspired the Disney's animated classic Bambi, died Friday at the age of 106.


His death was announced on his Facebook page od TYRUS - A Documentary Film, "With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tyrus Wong. Tyrus died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving daughters Kim, Kay and Tai-Ling. He was 106 years old. 

With his passing, we have lost a brilliant artist, motion picture & animation legend, Chinese American pioneer, and hero. He survived Angel Island, the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Great Depression, discrimination, and the loss of Ruth, his soul mate and beloved wife of over 50 years. Yet Tyrus always faced adversity with dignity, courage - and art.

Tyrus gave us a priceless trove of breathtaking paintings, Bambi, Rebel Without a Cause, colorful kites, elegant Xmas cards, ceramics, toys, and murals. He awed us with his talent, charmed us with his boyish humor, and moved us with his humility, generosity, resilience, and BIG HEART. 

Please join us in sending our condolences to his wonderful daughters Kim, Kay, Tai-Ling and his extended family. And let us know how he touched you. 

Tyrus -- Give a big hug to Ruth and we’ll see you up in the sky, with your beautiful butterflies, dragonflies, centipedes, and pandas. We love you and Godspeed," the statement said.


The painter was born in China in 1910 before immigrating to California at age 9 with his father, leaving his mother and sister behind.


"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Disney Legend, Tyrus Wong. He was 106. Our thoughts are with the Wong family," Walt Disney Museum said on Twitter.