Joe Ruby, the co-creator of the cartoon series Scooby-Doo, has passed away. he was 87.
He made the much-loved characters alongside his creative partner Ken Spears. Joe Ruby died of natural causes in California day before yesterday.
“He never stopped writing and creating, even as he aged,” said his grandson Benjamin Ruby.
Warner Bros’ animation president, Sam Register, said Ruby “made Saturday mornings special for so many children, including myself”.
“He was one of the most prolific creators in our industry who gifted us some of animation’s most treasured characters and it was a thrill to host him at our studio,” he continued.
“Scooby-Doo has been a beloved companion on screens for more than 50 years, leaving an enduring legacy that has inspired and entertained generations.”
Fans have taken to Twitter to thank the late animator and writer for assisting to give them “a wonderful childhood”.
After working in the US navy, Ruby started his television career at Walt Disney Productions, before meeting Spears while working at Hanna-Barbera Productions.
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? was introduced in 1969 and ran on CBS until 1976, spawning several reboots and films.
“We were worried it wouldn’t last but one season,” Spears later recalled.
Ruby, Spears and character designer Iwao Takamoto tried out several incarnations, including making the characters part of a rock band, before settling on the well known line-up of Freddie, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and the crime-solving titular great Dane, Scooby-Doo.
Ruby also co-created Dynomutt, Dog Wonderand; Jabberjaw, The Barkleys, and The Houndcats. And he later worked as an executive producer on animated versions of live-action shows including Rambo and Police Academy.
He left his wife Carole, their four children and grandchildren to mourn his death.
