what was his early career?
Cel polisher and later cel painter.
Ralph Bakshi
. Bakshi was hired as a cel polisher and commuted four hours each day to the studio, based in suburban New Rochelle. His low-level position required Bakshi to carefully remove dirt and dust from animation cels.

After a few months, Schudde was surprised that Bakshi was still showing up to work, and promoted him to cel painter.
what is the lord of the rings (1978 film)? Its an animated dark fantasy adventure film. who directed this flim? Ralph Bakshi.
wiki:8238071
Ralph Bakshi [SEP] Early career (1956–1968)
Bakshi's deception was not noticed until two days later, when he was called to Schudde's office because the cels had been painted on the wrong side. When Bakshi explained that Giuliani had made the mistake, an argument ensued between the three. Schudde eventually took Bakshi's side. By this point, the studio's employees were aware of Bakshi's intention to become an animator, and he began to receive help and advice from established animators, including Connie Rasinski, Manny Davis, Jim Tyer, Larry Silverman and Johnnie Gentilella. Bakshi married his first wife, Elaine, when he was 21. Their son, Mark, was born when Bakshi was 22.