# Edwin Catmull

> American computer scientist and former president of Pixar (born 1945)

**Wikidata**: [Q93161](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q93161)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Catmull)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edwin-catmull

## Summary
Edwin Catmull is an American computer scientist and former president of Pixar who made fundamental contributions to 3D computer graphics. His work revolutionized computer-generated imagery in filmmaking and earned him the prestigious Turing Award in 2019.

## Biography
- Born: March 31, 1945, in Parkersburg
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Utah, Granite High School
- Known for: Fundamental contributions to 3D computer graphics
- Employer(s): Applicon, New York Institute of Technology, Industrial Light & Magic, Pixar, Q1047410
- Field(s): Computer graphics

## Contributions
Edwin Catmull pioneered key technologies that revolutionized computer-generated imagery. While at the University of Utah in the 1970s, he developed algorithms for texture mapping, Z-buffering, and bicubic surfaces—techniques that became foundational in 3D computer graphics. His work at Lucasfilm's Computer Graphics Group led to the development of the RenderMan software, which was essential for creating the first fully computer-animated feature film, Pixar's "Toy Story" (1995). Catmull co-founded Pixar and later served as its president, overseeing its technological development while the company created breakthrough animations. His innovations transformed filmmaking by enabling realistic digital effects and entire animated worlds to be created computationally, leading to new artistic possibilities in cinema and beyond.

## FAQs
### Q: What did Edwin Catmull invent?
A: Catmull developed fundamental algorithms for 3D computer graphics including texture mapping, Z-buffering, and bicubic surfaces during his time at the University of Utah in the 1970s. These technologies became essential for creating realistic computer imagery.

### Q: How did Edwin Catmull contribute to Pixar?
A: Catmull co-founded Pixar and served as its president. He led the technological development that enabled the company to produce groundbreaking computer-animated films, starting with "Toy Story" in 1995.

### Q: What awards has Edwin Catmull received?
A: Catmull has received numerous prestigious awards including the Turing Award (2019), the IEEE John von Neumann Medal (2006), the Academy Award of Merit (2001), and the ACM Fellowship (1995).

### Q: What medical condition has Edwin Catmull spoken about?
A: Catmull has discussed having aphantasia, a condition where a person cannot voluntarily visualize images in their mind.

## Why They Matter
Edwin Catmull fundamentally transformed how visual content is created and consumed in the digital age. His pioneering work in 3D computer graphics provided the mathematical foundations for modern CGI, enabling the creation of entirely new visual worlds in film, video games, and virtual reality. Without Catmull's algorithms for texture mapping, Z-buffering, and bicubic surfaces, the realistic digital effects that have become standard in filmmaking would not exist. His leadership at Pixar helped establish computer animation as a legitimate art form and entertainment industry, creating a business model that has generated billions of dollars and inspired countless artists and technologists. His techniques are now embedded in virtually all 3D graphics software, from video games to architectural visualization.

## Notable For
- Co-founder and former president of Pixar
- Recipient of the 2019 Turing Award for fundamental contributions to 3D computer graphics
- Developed key algorithms including texture mapping, Z-buffering, and bicubic surfaces
- Received the Academy Award of Merit (2001) and IEEE John von Neumann Medal (2006)
- Oversaw technological development at Industrial Light & Magic

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Edwin Catmull was born on March 31, 1945, in Parkersburg. He attended Granite High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Utah, where he studied computer science.

### Career Beginnings
Catmull began his career working at Applicon, a computer-aided design company. He later joined New York Institute of Technology, where he continued his research in computer graphics.

### Lucasfilm and Pixar
At Industrial Light & Magic (Lucasfilm), Catmull led the Computer Graphics Group. In 1986, he co-founded Pixar with Steve Jobs and George Lucas, serving as president and later as Chief Technology Officer. Under his leadership, Pixar developed the RenderMan rendering software and produced groundbreaking animated films.

### Technical Contributions
Catmull developed numerous algorithms that became foundational in computer graphics:
- Texture mapping techniques
- Z-buffering for hidden surface removal
- Bicubic surfaces for smooth 3D modeling
- Early methods for digital compositing

### Awards and Recognition
- Turing Award (2019) for fundamental contributions to 3D computer graphics
- IEEE John von Neumann Medal (2006)
- Academy Award of Merit (2001)
- ACM Fellow (1995)
- Gordon E. Sawyer Award
- Progress Medal (SMPTE)

### Personal Life
Catmull has spoken about having aphantasia, a condition where he cannot voluntarily visualize images in his mind. He continues to be involved in the computer graphics field as an influential figure and advisor.

## References

1. Latter-day Saint Literature database
2. Integrated Authority File
3. datos.bne.es
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://www.ieee.org/about/awards/bios/vonneumann-recipients.html#2019%20-%20Eva%20Tardos)
6. IMDb
7. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/award_winners/catmull_1244219#158)
8. [Source](https://amturing.acm.org/award_winners/catmull_1244219.cfm)
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
12. [Source](http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102746614)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Ed Catmull | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL7231394A/Ed_Catmull)
15. [2019](https://www.bbc.com/news/health-47830256)
16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
17. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/ed-catmull-107ZzkEbZR/appearances)
18. The Movie Database