Los Angeles, California, [June 2, 2026] - Think pink! This summer, fans of classic animation and timeless comedy are invited to a special one-night-only celebration of The Pink Panther on Saturday, July 18, presented by Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.
The evening will honor the enduring legacy of The Pink Panther with a playful, nostalgia-filled program featuring a selection of animated shorts, special guests, and a lively panel discussion celebrating the character’s impact on animation, design, and comedy.
Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the program begins at 7:30 PM with animated shorts by Mike Hollingsworth and Matt Partridge, followed by a presentation celebrating The Pink Panther and a panel discussion featuring Larry Mirisch (The Pink Panther, producer), Emmy-winning art director and producer Alex Kirwan, and animation director Eddie Trigueros, moderated by animation historian Jerry Beck.
Adding to the whimsical atmosphere, the evening will also feature a special appearance by the Bob Baker Marionettes, blending classic animation sensibility with live theatrical puppetry in a uniquely Los Angeles experience.
The event celebrates the legacy, elegance, and mischievous charm of The Pink Panther, while supporting Saturday Morning Cartoons United, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving animation history and uplifting the creative arts community. Saturday Morning Cartoons United recently partnered with the Silverlake Shorts program to provide grants to emerging young filmmakers, with a portion of all proceeds supporting these ongoing initiatives.
The celebration will take place at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, located at 4949 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, and will run until approximately 9:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Bob Baker Marionette Theater website at bobbakermarionettetheater.com.
To stay updated, visit cartoonsunited.com or follow @cartoonsunited on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky.
About The Pink Panther:
The Pink Panther is an iconic animated character first introduced in the opening credits of the 1963 film The Pink Panther, later becoming the star of a long-running series of animated shorts. Known for his sleek style, silent physical comedy, and playful sophistication, the character became a global symbol of cool, minimalist humor.
Produced originally by DePatie–Freleng Enterprises in association with United Artists, the Pink Panther is now part of the Amazon MGM Studios library. The character is defined by visual storytelling, expressive animation, and the legendary Henry Mancini theme music. Over time, he has remained a lasting pop culture figure, celebrated for his elegance, mischief, and timeless appeal across generations.
About Saturday Morning Cartoons United:
Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit screening series dedicated to celebrating legacy animation and iconic characters. Each event features curated screenings, exclusive pop-up shops, and engaging Q&A panels with directors, voice actors, and influential tastemakers. Launching in 2025, the initiative brings together studios and creators for unforgettable experiences that honor animation’s past while fostering its future — putting the “United” in Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM and championing the power of collaboration. A portion of proceeds supports local community initiatives providing aid to animation industry members affected by recent wildfires and ongoing industry challenges. Each screening also highlights a short film by an independent creator, offering a platform for emerging voices in the animation community. For more information visit cartoonsunited.com.
About Bob Baker Marionette Theater:
Bob Baker Marionette Theater is the country’s most iconic nonprofit puppet theater and a Los Angeles Cultural-Historical Monument that has served its community with creativity, joy, and imagination since 1963. Their mission is to preserve, educate, and innovate at the intersection of puppetry and the allied arts. The Theater serves an intergenerational audience of over 145,000 people annually through its cultural and educational programs and impactful, immersive performances. For more information, visit www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com.
About Jerry Beck:
Jerry Beck is a writer, animation producer, college professor and author of more than 15 books on animation history. He is a former studio executive with Nickelodeon Movies and Disney and has written for The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. He has curated cartoons for DVD and Blu-ray compilations and has lent his expertise to dozens of bonus documentaries and audio commentaries on such. Beck is currently on the faculty of CalArts in Valencia, UCLA in Westwood – teaching animation history. For more information, visit cartoonresearch.com.
About Sweet Streets:
Sweet Streets is a female-led creative firm that helps brands shine with purpose. Specializing in creative marketing, licensing consultation, and brand management, the firm combines strategic insight with innovative design to amplify each client’s unique voice. With a focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and thoughtful strategy, Sweet Streets guides brands in building meaningful connections, expanding their reach, and achieving measurable growth. By blending creativity with strategy, the firm empowers brands to stand out, thrive sustainably, and make a lasting impact in a competitive marketplace. For more information, visit SweetStreetsLA.com.
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