Dutch artist Dick Bruna, creator of the world-famous cartoon rabbit Miffy, died at the age of 89 at his hometown of Utrecht on Thursday night, Dutch media reported Friday.

Bruna passed away in his sleep, according to reports.

The artist gained international acclaim with Miffy, known as Nijntje in Dutch. The first book about this female rabbit figure was published in 1955.

During his career, Bruna wrote and illustrated over 120 storybooks that were translated into more than 50 languages. Some 85 million copies were sold worldwide. He also designed many posters and book covers, all in his characteristic style consisting of simple drawings with limited colors and thick black lines.

Bruna had a special bond with the city of his birth where he worked and lived for most of his life. In 2016, 61 years after the birth of his iconic cartoon figure, a Miffy Museum was opened there.

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