Monty Oum, born on June 22, 1981, was a talented American animator, choreographer, screenwriter, voice actor, and television producer. He gained significant recognition in the gaming community with his groundbreaking animated video, Haloid, released in 2007. This captivating piece showcased a thrilling battle between characters from the Halo and Metroid franchises, quickly going viral and establishing Oum as a creative force in the animation world.
Following the success of Haloid, Oum released a sequel titled Dead Fantasy later that same year, further solidifying his reputation. His innovative approach to animation caught the attention of Rooster Teeth, where he took on the role of lead animator for the popular web series Red vs. Blue. Oum's most notable achievement came with the creation of RWBY, an original animated series that garnered a dedicated fanbase and showcased his unique storytelling and artistic style.
Tragically, Oum's life took a devastating turn in January 2015 when he suffered a severe iatrogenic allergic reaction, leading to a coma. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he passed away on February 1, 2015, in Austin, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and inspiration in the animation and gaming communities.