Which animator started with Disney in 1935 and worked on iconic characters like Bambi and Thumper?

The animator who began working with Disney in 1935 and was instrumental in the creation of iconic characters like Bambi and Thumper is Marc Davis. He is particularly celebrated for his character animation skills and was one of the "Nine Old Men," a group of key animators who significantly influenced Disney's classic films. Davis's contributions to Bambi, especially in the design and animation of Bambi and his friends, helped shape the emotional depth and storytelling of the film. His ability to infuse personality and nuance into characters made a lasting impact on the art of animation and is still recognized today.

While other notable animators were also part of Disney during that era, such as Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, and Ward Kimball, they are known for different contributions and character developments in other films. For instance, Ollie Johnston was primarily associated with character work in films like Peter Pan and The Jungle Book, while Milt Kahl worked on characters in films like The Sword in the Stone, and Ward Kimball is celebrated for his work on characters in movies like Cinderella and The Jungle Book. Each of these animators played significant roles in Disney history, but Marc Davis's direct involvement with Bambi makes him the correct choice for this