Director of American animated franchise, Tom and Jerry, Gene Deitch has died at 95 years of age.

According to Czech publisher, Petr Himmel, his death was unexpected.

The Oscar-winning illustrator passed away on Thursday night at his apartment in Prague.

Gene, whose full name was Eugene Merrill Deitch was best known for creating animated cartoons such as Munro, Tom Terrific, Nudnik, as well as Popeye.

After he graduated, he worked as a draftsman for North American Aviation before being drafted for the military and entering pilot training. He was also nominated for the same award twice in 1964 for Here’s Nudnik and How to Avoid Friendship.

From 1945 to 1951, Gene contributed covers and interior art to jazz magazine, "The Record Changer."

Gene is survived by his wife and three sons from his first marriage, who are all writers and artists for alternative comics