Jinkies! Joe Ruby, The Creator of SCOOBY-DOO Has Died

Scooby-Doo co-creator Joe Ruby has died of natural causes at 87. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carole, four children, and 10 grandchildren. His grandson Benjamin Ruby says he never stopped writing and creating, even as he aged.

Gotta admire that.

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.”

Ruby started out at Disney and after serving in the Navy and working in editing, he created Scooby-Doo, Dynomutt, and Jabberjaw with Ken Spears at Hanna-Barbera.

Ruby and Spears wrote the first five episodes of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and supervised the rest of the season. Spears says they expected it to last one season.

After Scooby-Doo became a hit, they were hired to oversee Saturday morning cartoons such as Mister T, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Superman, Thundarr the Barbarian, Fangface” and The Plastic Man Comedy-Adventure Hour. Ruby also executive produced on animated versions of Rambo and Police Academy.

How much do you love Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? Make sure to let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

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