Animator and Scooby Doo co-creator Joe Ruby passed away on Wednesday. The co-founder of production company Ruby-Spears breathed his last in Westlake Village, California. He was 87. A representative for Ruby told a Hollywood news site that the animator died of natural causes after years of dealing with health issues.
The animator, who teamed with Ken Spears to create Scooby Doo, Dynomutt, Dog Wonder and 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 producing.
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“He never stopped writing and creating, even as he aged,” said his grandson Benjamin Ruby.
Warner Bros. Animation and Blue Ribbon Content president Sam Register said in a statement, “Joe 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. Scooby-Doo has been a beloved companion on screens for more than 50 years, leaving an enduring legacy that has inspired and entertained generations. We at Warner Bros. Animation have the privilege and honor of carrying on that legacy and send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones.”
