We spent a few minutes with Linda Jones Clough, daughter of Chuck Jones, the other day and we asked her what it was like to grow up with Chuck Jones as your father. She had this to say:
"People have often asked me what it was like to grow up with Chuck Jones. I wish I had taken notes so I would have more wonderful anecdotes to share, but I can tell you this: We often went for drives with no destination in mind, just the two of us, and as we rolled along the boulevards and streets of Los Angeles we played word games, imagination games, and talked about all manner of things. I can honestly say that no one has ever had a better, more wonderful father than I had.
Chuck Jones and his daughter, Linda, out for a drive in Hollywood, 1941.
"My father often said that they (at the studio) couldn’t possibly have realized that they were working in what would later be dubbed “The Golden Age of Animation.” They did know, however, that they were making animated films that often amused themselves. They agreed that was the great freedom of the times for them, and they all seem to have been grateful for it.
Dorothy, Margaret, Richard and Chuck Jones on Balboa beach, Newport Beach, 1916.
"My paternal grandparents encouraged creativity of mind, body and thought in their four children, which resulted in all four being artists in their own right: brother Richard a talented photographer and painter; sister Margaret a brilliant textile designer and weaver; and sister Dorothy, an excellent writer, illustrator, and sculptor. It seems likely to me that that the same creative encouragement he provided for me at home, may have also contributed to his directorial excellence."
Linda,
God Bless you and your wonderful father. Thank you for the great story.
We are so blessed to have been able to share time you, Chuck and the entire family. During this time of year we always thing of Chuck and the wonderful cards he used to send us for the holidays. Chuck remains a great inspiration to us all, especially our 5 year old son Luc.
Many blessings and Happy New Year!
Christian
Posted by: Christian Brantley | January 06, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Terrific words and illustrative photographs!!!
Posted by: Nina Kuriloff | January 06, 2011 at 07:33 PM
I was extremely blessed to have met both you and your father at my workplace of Applause sometime in the mid 90s. I did take notes on the things he was saying that day at our luncheon - and something he did was so terrific that I'll never forget it - he kissed me on my hand and winked, saying "Just like Pepe le Pew !" ha! He was absolutely a wonderful guy and one of my inspirations for becoming a professional artist ! Thank you for sharing him!
God bless,
Gina
Posted by: Gina Toysculptor | January 12, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Thank you, Gina, for sharing your wonderful story of meeting Chuck Jones. You're right, he loved to kiss ladies hands!
Posted by: Robert Patrick | January 14, 2011 at 10:50 AM