John Paragon, a writer and director for Disney’s Living Character Initiatives, has passed away at 66. Paragon was involved in bringing numerous characters to life, including Lucky the Dinosaur, Muppet Mobile Labs, and WALL-E. He also worked on Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Twitter user “JK” shared memories of working with Paragon.

Sad to hear John Paragon passed! Had the honor to work along side him in WDI on Monster’s Laugh Floor. Mostly loved him as my director and writer for Muppet Mobile Lab. This was Jambi/Pterri! This was the writer of Elvira! I was blown away. Brilliant man! #RIPJohnParagon pic.twitter.com/feLuRNikOt

— Dr. Odd-Schmidt (@Mrfurious32821) June 18, 2021

In addition to his work at Disney, Paragon played Jambi the Genie on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. He also voiced Pterri the Pterodactyl on the show.

Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman) praised Paragon after learning of his death.

He contributed so heavily to my success. Over decades, we performed together, wrote together and hung out together. In our affection for one another (and our competitiveness), we made each other funnier. We felt magical together, and I think sometimes that translated into the work we created.

Pee-wee Herman

Paragon introduced WALL-E at the Franklin Institute in 2008.

According to the Daily Mail, Paragon also appeared in films such as The Frog Prince and Weird Al Yankovic’s UHF. He also appeared in episodes of Seinfeld and Cheers.

Paragon passed away at his home April 3, 2021. Paragon’s death was not announced until June 17. According to the Riverside County (CA) coroner, Paragon died from “cardiovascular disease with other significant conditions of chronic alcohol abuse.”

Mike Baker