Taylor in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Tex Avery
Born in Taylor on February 26, 1908, Frederick Bean “Tex” Avery is one of the most important figures in the history of animation, directing cartoons at Warner Brothers and MGM from 1935 to 1955. He developed such legendary characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Droopy and Chilly Willy. He also pioneered a style of fast-paced slapstick comedy that introduced many of the basic comedic elements still found in cartoons today. His peers considered him a creative genius and his films continue to enjoy critical and popular acclaim.
Avery spent his childhood in Taylor, growing up in homes on 8th and Hackberry streets. He attended high school in Dallas before moving to California after graduation. In 1935, Avery took a job at Warner Brothers where he presided over the innovative crew of “Termite Terrace” and introduced the world to Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny. Searching for the perfect expression to capture Bugs Bunny's carefree attitude in a Wild Hare (1940) Avery recalled a phrase popular among students at North Dallas High School “What's up doc?” He spent seven years at Warner Brothers and then moved to MGM in 1942 where he perfected his unique style of rapid fire, logic defying gags. After a lifetime spent reinventing the American cartoon, Avery died in Los Angeles in 1980.
Tex Avery's influence on his craft is difficult to overstate. He created some of the most enduring characters and compositions in history and directed cartoons that were funnier, faster and wilder than anyone had ever seen. An enormously talented writer, artist and director, Tex Avery left his stamp not just on the world of animation, but on the wider universe of American popular culture.
175 years of Texas Independence 1836-2011
Marker is property of the State of Texas
Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17073.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 30° 34.252′ N, 97° 24.565′ W. Marker is in Taylor, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker is on North Main Street (State Highway 95), on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the right side of the walkway approximately 20 meters inside the entrance to Heritage Park at the NE corner of the intersection of North Main Street and East 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 North Main Street, Taylor TX 76574, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City of Taylor (a few steps from this marker); Bill Pickett (a few steps from this marker); Preslar-Hewitt Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Eikel-Prewitt Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor Post Office (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church of Taylor (about 700 feet away); Taylor National Bank (about 700 feet away); First Christian Church of Taylor (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Taylor.
Also see . . . Tex Avery Day events 2014. (Submitted on April 27, 2020.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2020, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2020, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. 3. submitted on April 20, 2021, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. 4. submitted on November 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.