Disney cartoon artist Grant dies

Grant was still working for Disney's animation studio

Disney artist and writer Joe Grant, whose credits include Dumbo and Pocahontas, has died at the age of 96.

Grant, who created the character of the Queen in Snow White, was still working four days a week at Disney.

He also co-created Fantasia and was named an official Disney legend at a ceremony in 1992.

Grant died after a heart attack at his home in Glendale, California, while working at his drawing board, Disney said in a statement.

"With his vast knowledge of art and literature, Grant was considered the studio's top intellectual and he had a profound influence on the films that got made," said Disney.

Grant joined Disney in 1933 but left in 1949 when the character model department was disbanded.

He started a number of successful businesses including a ceramics studio, returning to Disney in 1989 to work as a consultant on Beauty and the Beast.

Incredibly fortunate

He came up with the outline story for Lady and the Tramp with his wife, who died in 1991.

He later worked on Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan.

"We were so incredibly fortunate to have had Joe at the studio sharing his creativity and enthusiasm, and inspiring young talent for such a long time," said David Stainton, president of Walt Disney Feature Animation.