Animator en Scooby Doo co-creator Joe Ruby has died. The co-founder of production company Ruby-Spears died Wednesday in Westlake Village, CA. He was 87.
A rep for Ruby told Deadline that the animator died of natural causes after years of dealing with health issues.
The animator, who collaborated with Ken Spears to create Dynomutt, Dog Wonder en Jabberjaw, was born in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 1933. He began his animation career under Walt Disney Productions before shifting his focus to editing and production.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Ruby met collaborator Spears at Hanna-Barbera Productions, where the two collaborated to create multiple animated and live-action titles, including cartoon juggernaut Scooby Doo.
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Ruby and Spears’ group of crime-ridden teenagers and their anthropomorphic mascot first hit screens on CBS in 1969. The series introduced Velma, Daphne, Shaggy, Fred and the beloved Scooby Doo to children and comic book lovers across America, and eventually all over the world.
Since the gang’s first appearance, the Scooby Doo Franchise has grown to include several TV specials Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated en Scooby-Doo! and the Gourmet Ghost. Live action movies based on the characters were released in 2002 and 2004 by Warner Bros., and the computer animation Scoob! was released this year by Warner Bros. and in select theaters.
In the seventies, Ruby and Spears moved to CBS to oversee the line of Saturday morning cartoons. Years later, the two animators created their eponymous Ruby-Spears Productions, which also provided animation. Thundarr the Barbarian, Mister T, Superman en Alvin and the Chipmunks, the last one to go on with three overtime Emmy nods. Ruby also served in the production of the aforementioned cartoon series.
“Joe Ruby made Saturday morning special for so many kids, including myself,” said Sam Register, president, Warner Bros. Animation and Blue Ribbon Content. “He was one of the most prolific creators in our industry who gave us some of the most cherished characters of the animation, and it was a thrill to host him in our studio. Scooby-Doo is already more as a 50-year-old beloved screenwriter, leaving a lasting legacy that has inspired and entertained generations. send. ”
Survivors include Ruby’s wife, Carole, four children and 10 grandchildren.
