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.
William Hanna, a pioneer in the animation industry, is best known for co-creating the beloved cartoon series Tom and Jerry, a staple of American pop culture. Alongside Joseph Barbera, he founded the renowned animation studio Hanna-Barbera, which produced some of the most iconic cartoons of the 20th century.
William Denby Hanna was born on July 14, 1910, in Melrose, New Mexico Territory, to William John Hanna and Avice Joyce Denby Hanna. He was the third of seven children in a family that frequently moved due to his father's work as a construction superintendent. Hanna developed an interest in animation at an early age and began his career in 1930 at the Harman and Ising animation studio.
In 1937, Hanna met Joseph Barbera while working at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). The duo's collaboration led to the creation of Tom and Jerry, which debuted in 1940 and went on to win seven Academy Awards. The success of Tom and Jerry propelled Hanna and Barbera to found Hanna-Barbera in 1957, which became the most successful television animation studio in the business.
Hanna-Barbera produced some of the most iconic cartoons of the 20th century, including:
These shows have become cultural icons, with a worldwide audience of over 300 million people in their 1960s heyday, and have been translated into more than 28 languages.
Hanna and Barbera's work earned them numerous awards, including:
William Hanna's legacy extends beyond his iconic cartoons. He played a significant role in shaping the animation industry, and his work continues to inspire new generations of animators and artists. Hanna-Barbera's shows have become an integral part of American pop culture, with their characters appearing in films, books, and toys.
Hanna was married to Violet Blanch Wexler from 1936 until his death in 2001. He passed away on March 22, 2001, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.
Hanna believed in the power of animation to bring people together and to inspire creativity. He once said, "The secret to success is to do what you love, and to love what you do." This philosophy is reflected in his work, which continues to bring joy to audiences of all ages.
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 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.
Born in 1901
Co-creator of the iconic Mickey Mouse character, revolutionizing animation and entertainment with his innovative techniques and beloved characters.
Born in 1901
Creator of beloved animated films and iconic characters, revolutionizing the entertainment industry with imagination and innovation.
