Faith Hubley, born Faith Chestman in 1924, hails from the vibrant Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan, where she grew up with a passion for filmmaking that would eventually take her to the sun-kissed streets of Hollywood. Leaving home without completing high school, Faith pursued her dreams, starting as a messenger at Columbia Studios before rising through the ranks to become a skilled sound-effects and music editor.
During her time in California, Faith met John Hubley, a talented animator with Disney Studios, whom she married in 1955. John, a dedicated pro-union political activist, was blacklisted from Disney, prompting Faith and John to form a powerful filmmaking partnership. Their films often featured the charming voices of their four young children, who would grow up to be an integral part of the Hubley's creative process.
The Hubleys' hard work and dedication paid off, as they won their first Oscar for Moonbird (1959) in 1959, followed by their second Academy Award for The Hole (1962) in 1962. Faith and John were also ardent lovers of jazz, and their films often showcased the incomparable voice and music of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie.
Their impact on children's entertainment was immense, as they contributed numerous animated segments to the beloved Sesame Street (1969) and The Electric Company (1971). Despite the tragic loss of her husband John, who passed away during heart surgery in 1977, Faith continued to create a new animated film each year until her own passing from cancer in December 2001, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and a lifelong commitment to her craft.
