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Tom and Jerry director Gene Deitch has died aged 95.

The Oscar-winning illustrator, who's full name was Eugene Merrill Deitch, passed away on Thursday night at his apartment in Prague.

The star's Czech publisher, Petr Himmel, told The Associated Press that he died "unexpectedly".

Gene directed 13 episodes of beloved children's cartoon Tom and Jerry and some from the series Popeye.

He worked as a draftsman for North American Aviation before being drafted for the military and entering pilot training.

(Image: CBS via Getty Images)

Gene later based himself in Prague after he was discharged for medical reasons.

His movie Munro won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1960.

Gene was also nominated for the same award twice four years later for Here's Nudnik and How to Avoid Friendship.

He had earlier created the Tom Terrific series, while the Sidney's Family Tree, which he co-produced was nominated for an Academy Award in 1958.

Working from behind the Iron Curtain, Gene directed 13 episodes of Tom and Jerry and also some of the Popeye the Sailor series.

(Image: First Independent)

He captured life in communist Czechoslovakia and later in the Czech Republic after the 1989 anti-communist Velvet Revolution in his memoirs, For the Love of Prague.

In 2004, Gene received the Winsor McCay Award for his lifelong contribution to animation.

The American film director is survived by his wife and by three sons from his first marriage, all of whom are cartoonists and illustrators.

Fans have rushed to social media to share condolences and express how much his work meant to them.

(Image: CBS via Getty Images)

One fan penned: 'It makes me so happy that Gene Deitch is finally getting the attention he deserved. He was so much more than the "Tom and Jerry" reputation he built up. He'll forever be missed."

Another added: '"Im so disheartened to hear about Gene Deitch. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to be honoured for decades to come"

A third posted: RIP Gene Deitch."