Tex Avery Day

Tex Avery Day is celebrated annually on February 22. This day honors the life and legacy of Frederick Bean “Tex” Avery, a pioneering animator and director whose work revolutionized the American animation industry. It serves as a tribute to his surreal humor, high-speed gags, and the creation of iconic characters that defined the golden age of cartoons.

History of Tex Avery Day

The holiday was specifically designated by the town of Taylor, Texas, which is the birthplace of Tex Avery. In 2014, local officials and historians established the date to commemorate Avery’s 1908 birth and his immense contributions to global pop culture. While Avery’s actual birthday is February 26, the local proclamation and the dedication of a Texas State Historical Marker in his honor solidified February 22 as a day for fans and community members to recognize his artistic achievements.

Avery’s career began in the late 1920s at Universal Studios, but he became a household name through his work at Warner Bros. and later Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). At Warner Bros., he transformed a group of struggling animators into the legendary “Termite Terrace” unit, where they developed the distinct personalities of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. His move to MGM in the 1940s marked another creative peak, as he introduced the world to Droopy Dog and pushed the limits of visual exaggeration with characters like the Wolf and Red Hot Riding Hood.

Why is Tex Avery Day important?

Tex Avery is widely considered the father of “cartoon logic,” a style where the rules of physics are ignored for the sake of humor. This day is significant because it celebrates the shift in animation from the gentle, realistic style of early Disney films to the chaotic, adult-leaning, and satirical tone that characterizes modern cartoons. His innovation of “breaking the fourth wall,” where characters address the audience directly, remains a staple of comedic storytelling across all media today.

The day also highlights the technical brilliance required to execute fast-paced animation. Avery was known for his meticulous attention to timing, often counting individual frames of film to ensure a gag landed with maximum impact. By honoring him, the holiday acknowledges the artistry behind the laughter and the influence his work has had on contemporary directors and animators who continue to use his techniques of extreme elasticity and visual puns.

• He provided the definitive personality and catchphrase for Bugs Bunny.
• His work influenced the creation of “Looney Tunes” and “Merrie Melodies.”
• Avery’s style emphasized gags and pacing over sentimental narratives.
• He created Droopy, a character known for extreme contrast in energy.
• His legacy bridges the gap between early cinema and modern television humor.

How to Celebrate Tex Avery Day

Observing this day is best done by revisiting the classic theatrical shorts directed by Avery during his time at MGM or Warner Bros. Fans often host marathon screenings of his most famous works, such as “A Wild Hare,” “Red Hot Riding Hood,” or “King-Size Canary.” Watching these films allows viewers to appreciate the hand-drawn detail and the sheer absurdity of his visual gags, which often include characters literally jumping out of their skin or eyeballs popping out of their heads.

In Taylor, Texas, the day is marked with local festivities, including the unveiling of murals and historical presentations. Enthusiasts also celebrate by practicing their own animation or drawing skills, focusing on the “squash and stretch” principle that Avery perfected. Sharing favorite clips on social media using the holiday hashtag helps introduce his work to younger generations who may be familiar with the characters but unaware of the man who gave them their rebellious and witty spirits.

• Watch three classic cartoons directed by Tex Avery.
• Visit a library or museum to research the history of Termite Terrace.
• Draw a character using the exaggerated “take” style Avery invented.
• Listen to interviews or documentaries about the Golden Age of Animation.
• Share a favorite “What’s up, doc?” moment with friends.

Tex Avery Day Dates Table