Overview

Kelly Adam Asbury (born January 15, 1960 — died June 10, 2020) was an American animator, film director, screenwriter, voice performer and author. He built a career in feature animation and family entertainment, directing both traditional and computer-animated pictures and publishing illustrated books for children and books about art and filmmaking. He was born in Beaumont, Texas.

Career and notable films

Asbury began his professional life as a visual and story artist, working in the development departments of major animation studios. Over time he moved into directing, bringing a strong sense of character and visual storytelling to family films. His most widely known credits include the horseback epic Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (credited as a director), serving as a co-director on Shrek 2, and leading the animated adaptations Gnomeo & Juliet and The Smurfs: The Lost Village. He often contributed small voice roles in his own productions and collaborated with other filmmakers on story and script development.

Style, themes and approach

Asbury's films are marked by a blend of broad family humor and empathetic character work. He showed a willingness to mix traditional animation sensibilities—expressive character poses, clear silhouette and hand-drawn timing—with modern computer-generated techniques. Story choices frequently emphasized friendship, identity and emotional growth, presented in a way accessible to children yet with humor adults could appreciate.

Writing and illustration

Beyond film, Asbury authored and illustrated books aimed at young readers and produced behind-the-scenes books about animation craft. His published work combined a cartooning background with a storyteller's eye, making complex visual processes accessible to students and fans of animation. He continued to sketch and publish throughout his career, maintaining an active presence in the animation and literary communities.

Legacy and recognition

Colleagues and fans remember Asbury for his visual imagination, collaborative spirit and devotion to storytelling for family audiences. His films reached global audiences and contributed to the development of contemporary animated features that balance heart and humor. For more on his filmography and influence, see studio and film pages linked from his credits and retrospectives.

Selected filmography

  • Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron — director (feature)
  • Shrek 2 — co-director (feature)
  • Gnomeo & Juliet — director (feature)
  • The Smurfs: The Lost Village — director (feature)