Creator of beloved cartoons, including Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! and Dynomutt, Dog Wonder, bringing joy to generations of children and adults alike.
Joe Ruby is best known as the co-creator of the beloved animated Scooby-Doo franchise, alongside Ken Spears. The dynamic duo revolutionized the world of animation with their iconic creation, which has been entertaining audiences for over five decades.
Ruby was born on March 30, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, to a Jewish Canadian family. His father, Carl Ruby, was a doctor, and his mother, Mildred (née Fineberg), was a homemaker. Ruby attended Fairfax High School and later joined the United States Navy, where he worked as a sonar operator on a destroyer during the Korean War.
After his military service, Ruby pursued his passion for art and began his career in animation at Walt Disney Animation Studios in the in-betweening department. He simultaneously freelanced as a comic book artist and writer, determined to make a name for himself in the industry.
Ruby's big break came when he met Ken Spears, another ex-Navy man, at Hanna-Barbera. The two writers teamed up and began working on various animated and live-action television programs, both freelance and as on-staff writers. Their partnership flourished, and they eventually co-created the Scooby-Doo franchise, which debuted on CBS in 1969.
The original series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, was a massive success, thanks to Ruby and Spears' innovative approach to animation. They crafted a unique blend of mystery, humor, and adventure, which captivated audiences of all ages.
Ruby's creative vision was instrumental in shaping the Scooby-Doo franchise. He, along with Spears, developed the lovable characters of Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, Shaggy Rogers, and, of course, the iconic Scooby-Doo. Together, they produced numerous spin-offs, movies, and merchandise, cementing Scooby-Doo's place in popular culture.
Ruby's influence on animation and popular culture is undeniable. He has inspired generations of animators, writers, and producers, and his work continues to entertain and delight audiences worldwide.
In 1977, Ruby and Spears co-founded Ruby-Spears Productions, a television animation production company that went on to produce numerous animated series and specials. Ruby continued to work in the industry, collaborating on various projects and mentoring aspiring animators and writers.
Joe Ruby passed away on August 26, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. His contribution to the world of animation and entertainment is immeasurable, and his creation, Scooby-Doo, remains an enduring symbol of his creative genius.
In conclusion, Joe Ruby's life and career serve as a testament to his creativity, perseverance, and innovative spirit. As the co-creator of Scooby-Doo, he has left an indelible mark on the world of animation, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born in 1910
Co-founder of Hanna-Barbera, a legendary animation studio behind beloved cartoons like Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and Yogi Bear. He brought joy and laughter to generations of kids and adults alike.
Born in 1911
Co-founder of a legendary animation studio, responsible for creating beloved cartoons like Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and Yogi Bear that have been entertaining generations of kids and adults alike.
Born in 1886
Pioneering animation producer behind Tom and Jerry cartoons, winning seven Academy Awards for Best Short Subject (Cartoon).
Born in 1908
Creator of iconic cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Droopy, known for zany humor and over-the-top animation style.
Born in 1912
Creator of beloved Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, known for his innovative animation techniques and hilarious storytelling.
Born in 1913
Pioneering animator, director, and producer behind beloved Looney Tunes characters like Porky Pig and Tweety Bird, creating zany, humorous cartoons that entertained generations.
Born in 1906
Pioneering animator, director, and producer behind beloved Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and Tweety Bird, creating timeless cartoons that continue to entertain generations.
Born in 1899
Creator of beloved cartoon characters, including Woody Woodpecker, and pioneer of animation techniques. His work brought joy and laughter to generations of audiences.
