“Rainbow Brite” Creator G.G. Santiago Dies at 82

**Tribute to G.G. Santiago: The Creative Mind Behind Rainbow Brite**

G.G. Santiago, the visionary artist renowned for creating the beloved character Rainbow Brite, has died at the age of 82. Her passing was confirmed by Muriel Fahrion, a fellow artist and close friend, who poignantly remembered Santiago’s incredible journey in a heartfelt obituary.

Santiago’s legacy began at Hallmark Cards, where she launched Rainbow Brite in 1984. The character quickly catalysed a flourishing franchise that would include an animated television series and a successful line of dolls produced by Mattel. The franchise became a staple of children’s entertainment and is fondly remembered by many.

Reflecting on their shared experiences, Fahrion recalled the close friendship she had with Santiago. They both honed their artistic talents at American Greetings, where their paths first crossed. “Our styles were similar because it was kind of the look of the greeting cards and especially in the cute, whimsy category,” she wrote. While Fahrion remained with American Greetings to develop iconic series such as Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears, Santiago moved on to make her mark at Hallmark.

In her moving tribute, Fahrion painted a vivid picture of Santiago’s loving relationship with her husband, Jesse. She described her dear friend as a tall, Latin blonde with a gentle voice, while Jesse was a spirited Puerto Rican man known for his joyful humour and unconditional support for her. Their close-knit friendship saw them frequently double dating in a neighbourhood just blocks apart, where they shared laughter, love, and art.

Fahrion’s memory of Santiago extended beyond their working relationship to include personal anecdotes that illustrated her inspiring character. Together, the two creators collaborated on a collection of angel sculptures in the late 1990s, which became best-sellers despite the challenges they faced during production. “That angel showed the world another part of Gigi’s talent,” Fahrion expressed, underlining Santiago’s diverse artistic abilities.

Born in Latvia amidst the devastation of World War II, Santiago’s early life was marred by tragedy. Her family endured the horrors of war, witnessing the execution of her grandfather and the abduction of her father. The family was eventually relocated to an Allied refugee camp, where they reunited after her father escaped. Santiago’s experiences during these formative years shaped her worldview and artistic disposition.

After relocating to America, Santiago found her artistic voice and entered the realm of commercial art. It was here that her creative spirit flourished. Her journey culminated in the creation of Rainbow Brite, a character that encapsulated her belief that creativity could serve as a form of salvation. The colourful world she invented became synonymous with joy and hope, providing a much-needed respite for children and families alike.

Santiago’s obituary highlights her multicultural identity, as she was fluent in German, Latvian, English, and Spanish, embodying the richness of her varied heritage. The artist was known for her vibrant personality in her youth but later gravitated towards smaller, more intimate circles and profound connections with others.

Santiago leaves behind her son, Jesse, the product of her marriage to Waldemar “Jesse” Santiago, who passed away earlier. Her contributions to art and culture will not be forgotten, as she touched the lives of many through her brightly coloured creations and unwavering spirit.

G.G. Santiago’s legacy as an artist, friend, and survivor resonates profoundly. Through Rainbow Brite and her various artistic endeavours, she brought colour and light into the world, a reflection of her unwavering resilience and passion for creativity. As the tributes pour in from friends and admirers alike, her impact on the creative landscape continues to be celebrated and cherished.