Robert Swarthe attended the UCLA Animation Workshop and later worked for the Haboush Company as well as independently produced his own animation, receiving an Academy Award nomination for his short, 'Kick Me,' in 1976. The latter portion of his career was spent working in Hollywood visual effects, during which time he received his second Academy Award nomination as a visual effects supervisor for STAR TREK - THE MOTION PICTURE. He is not retired and lives in New York City.