Richard Rich (born June 15, 1951) is an American animated film director, producer, and assistant director.
He started at the mailroom at the Walt Disney Studio in the late 1970s after founder Walt Disney had died, working with his successor as chief animator, Don Bluth. The only two films he directed at Disney were The Fox and the Hound and The Black Cauldron.
After 1985, he left Disney to found his own studio, Rich Animation Studios (later known as RichCrest Animation Studios), and directed a series of upbeat, inspiring Bible stories. It should be noted that he doesn't have as much successful films compared to Don Bluth.
He is youngest animation director in the history of The Walt Disney Company but did not start out as an animator.
He taught piano lessons during his lunchhour which got the attention from Disney executives.
Disney filmography
Assistant Director
- Robin Hood (1973)
- Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too! (1974)
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
- The Rescuers (1977)
- Pete's Dragon (1977)
- The Small One (1978)
Director
- The Fox and the Hound (1981)
- The Black Cauldron (1985)
Songwriter
- The Small One (Writer & Lyrics: A Friendly Face)
- The Fox and the Hound (Music: Goodbye May Seem Forever)
Writer
- The Black Cauldron (Story)
Outside Filmography
Director
- The Swan Princess
- The Swan Princess II: Escape from Castle Mountain
- The Swan Princess III: Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure
- The King and I
- Trumpet of the Swan
- Muhammad: The Last Prophet
Producer
- The Swan Princess
- The Swan Princess II: Escape from Castle Mountain
- The Swan Princess III: Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure
- Trumpet of the Swan (co-producer)
- Alpha and Omega
- The Little Engine That Could