CNBC: What"s Up With Warren Buffett and Carl Fredricksen?

Friday, November 27, 2009

By: Alex Crippen

Executive Producer

Published: Friday, 29 May 2009 | 10:53 AM ET

Warren Buffett (left), Carl Fredricksen (right)

Is there a connection between Warren Buffett and Carl Fredricksen?

Buffett is a 78-year-old billionaire and financial sage who flies in a private jet when he leaves his Omaha home.

Fredricksen is a 78-year-old balloon salesman who takes his midwestern home with him when he goes flying.

They"re both characters, but Carl is fictional.

He"s the star of Up, Disney/Pixar"s latest animated film. It"s out today and getting very strong reviews.

Ed Asner

I can"t take the credit, or the blame, for noticing the resemblance. That goes to Caitlin McDevitt at Slate"s The Big Money, who light-heartedly suggests it "may be more than a coincidence."

She asks, "Could someone at Pixar be equating Buffett"s predictions to a lot of hot air?"

Perhaps the usually "grounded" Buffett will become unhinged by the economy"s troubles, sending him "spiraling uncharacteristically out of control."

One key difference: Carl"s creators describe him as a "grouchy old man" while Buffett always seems to have a smile on his face.

They say Carl is physically modeled, at least partially, on the actor Ed Asner, who provides the voice of the character.

Other cited influences: the late actors Walter Matthau and Spencer Tracy.

You be the judge.

Walter Matthau

Spencer Tracy

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