What happened to Fumi Kitahara? Tributes pour in as revered animation publicist dies at 56

Fumi Kitahara, a renowned animation publicist, has passed away at the age of 56.

The veteran is renowned for spearheading campaigns for studios including DreamWorks, Aardman, Laika, Netflix, and Disney. Deadline has reported that she succumbed to complications stemming from a rare form of blood cancer.

“Dear Friends of Fumi,” the family penned, per the outlet. “We’re devastated to share that our dear Fumi passed away this afternoon, February 24, after her long struggle with a rare blood cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family and close friends.”

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The life and legacy of Fumi Kitahara explored:

The statement, signed by “Simon, Max & the Kitahara Family,” went on:

“We know many of you will be as heartbroken as we are in saying goodbye to her unforgettable personality, her infectious smile, and her warm and loving heart. This is an unimaginable loss for us, our family, and the animation community. Thank you for the love, support, and friendship you have shown her over the years. She meant the world to so many.”

Kitahara is renowned for her work on some of the most beloved animation films through the years, including multiple Shrek films, Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Coraline, How to Train Your Dragon, Kubo and the Two Strings, Over the Moon, and The Sea Beast.

Per Deadline, she is also known for having worked on Oscar-winning animated shorts such as The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse and War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko.

Fumi Kitahara, born on March 2, 1968, earned her degree in business marketing from California State University Northridge. In 1992, she made her foray into The Walt Disney Studios, where she worked alongside publicist Howard Green.

By 1996, she signed a contract with DreamWorks SKG, where she launched her own department and served as the company’s head of animation publicity for over a decade.

In the wake of her demise, tributes have begun flooding social media. Per The Hollywood Reporter, veteran producer Bonnie Arnold said in a statement:

“I have had the pleasure of working with Fumi for over three decades, from our Disney/Pixar days through DreamWorks and Locksmith projects … her positive energy and effort in making connections and supporting independent filmmakers within our industry are irreplaceable. She was known and beloved by all and will be sorely missed by our community.”

Animation World also took to its X account to pen a lengthy statement:

"All of us at AWN are gutted at the loss of our friend Fumi Kitahara. We had the privilege of knowing and working with Fumi for over 20 years and will miss her dearly. Our condolences go out to her husband @SimonOttoAnim, their son, and all her loved ones."

Nick Park, executive director at Aardman Studios, also issued a statement honoring Fumi Kitahara, per the outlet:

“We at Aardman are so very deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague Fumi. It’s hard to put into words just how much she will be missed; her years of unrelenting enthusiasm, invaluable support and her eternally generous spirit and friendship will always live on for us. A bright and very precious light has surely gone out in the animation world today.”

Glen Keane, who worked with Fumi, said:

“Fumi was a life force of joy. From her early days working in Disney publicity with Howard Green and throughout the years, she has remained a constant source of encouragement for every artist and filmmaker who has ever been blessed to have her come alongside and help present their work to the world. Beyond any award or recognition that Fumi’s considerable talent helped shine a light upon, the greatest prize was simply to count Fumi Kitahara as a dear friend.”

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Fumi Kitahara leaves behind her husband, Simon Otto, their son, Max; her mother, Teruko; her sister, Hiroko; and her brother, Keiichi.