Timothy Walter Burton (born August 25, 1958) is an American filmmaker and former animator. He is known for pioneering goth subculture in Hollywood, with his films employing a distinctive style that blends gothic horror and dark fantasy aesthetics with whimsical and surreal elements. Burton has worked as a film director, producer, artist, writer, animator, puppeteer, and actor. He has written, directed, and produced numerous films, including cult favorites, box office successes, and inventive adaptations, and his style is so distinct that the adjective 'Burtonesque' was coined.