Guntra Graudins “G.G.” Santiago has died. She passed away on February 21 and was 82. Santiago is celebrated for creating the beloved animated children’s show “Rainbow Brite,” and her death was announced by her friend, illustrator Muriel Fahrion, People reports.
G.G. Santiago Passes Away
Fahrion penned a heartfelt tribute to Santiago for her obituary, which was published on the Billings Funeral Home website. The obituary reveals that Santiago “passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7:45 a.m. in her home and art studio nestled in the Bristol fruit hills — the very place where her creativity continued to bloom late into her life.”
The obituary reflects on her life, noting that Santiago was born in war-torn Riga, Latvia, on March 5, 1943. “Though G.G. possessed remarkable artistic talent from an early age, war left little room for childhood dreams,” the obituary shares. “It was only after arriving in America that her gift for drawing and watercolor began to fully surface.”
It continues, “By the age of sixteen, her abilities were undeniable, and she was soon working with Hallmark Cards, Inc., where her vibrant imagination found fertile ground. In 1984, she created ‘Rainbow Brite,’ a character developed to launch a new line of children’s entertainment that blossomed into an animated television series, an animated movie special, and a popular toy line produced by Mattel.” In her later life, Santiago also designed the “My Little Kitchen Fairies” collection.
Santiago leaves behind five loving cats and two Amazonian parrots “who could deliver insults and make you laugh, a mischievous nod to her own personality.” Santiago is survived by her son, Jesse. She was married to her late husband, Waldemar “Jesse” Santiago, for 26 years.
She will be cremated at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart.
Tributes Pour in for G.G. Santiago
Fahrion also paid tribute to Santiago on Instagram, giving a glimpse into their relationship. “Gigi, the legendary creator of RAINBOW BRITE and my dear friend has passed away. Gigi Santiago famous for having created rainbow brite. Was a special friend of mine,” she captions her post.
Fans have expressed their sadness in the post’s comment section, with many remembering “Rainbow Brite” as one of their favorite childhood shows. “Shortcake, Care Bears, and Rainbow Brite were the cartoons of my childhood—so nostalgic! Shine bright in your rainbow, Gigi!,” a fan wrote.
“My heart breaks for you and all who loved her. You both may never fully understand the joy you brought to millions of us as children and now as adults,” another person shared.
