Sad year in cartoons...

[Matthew Hunter]

There was an article in my local newspaper today listing all the important people who died this year. It was kind of sad, we lost greats like bluesman John Lee Hooker and actor Caroll O'Connor (Archie Bunker), but also, man, we lost a LOT of folks in the cartoon field. Here's who they listed, and then I'll add who they didn't list:

Fred Lasswell, creator/cartoonist of Snuffy Smith, March 4, age 84.

William Hanna, co-creator of Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear, Flintstones, etc. March 22, Age 90

Hank Ketcham, creator/cartoonist of Dennis the Menace, June 1, age 81

Lorenzo Music, voice of Garfield the cat and Carlton, the Doorman. August 4, age 64

George Gately, creator/cartoonist of Heathcliff the cat, sept. 30, age 72

Albert Hague, Tony Award winning composer for Redhead , important to us cartoon folks as the writer for the songs in Chuck Jones and Dr. Seuss' "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" TV classic. Nov. 12, age 81.

George Harrison, Beatles guitarist and writer of such classics as While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Here Comes the Sun. There were animated projects involving George and the rest of the Beatles, including the cartoon series of the 60's and the movie "Yellow Submarine" (though the Beatles did not voice themeselves in said film.) Nov. 29, age 58.


-Not mentioned in the article (not as important or too recent):


Maurice Noble, who I may just write a letter to the editor about concerning his glaring omission,

Dan DeCarlo, creator of Josie and the Pussycats, December 18th, age 82.

Ray Patterson, animator for MGM, December 30th, age 90

David Swift, Disney animator, December 31st.

-and who knows, there are probably more I've left out.

______________________________________-
These guys will all be missed.

-Matthew

[Tintin]

Also:

Maurice Noble, co-productor of Chuck Jones shorts, may 18th, age 81

Maurice de Beverre (a.k.a. Morris)/creator of the BD character Lucky Luke, july 16th, age 79

[Greg Method]

It sounds suspiciously like the exact same cartoon-related obits that Entertainment Weekly mentioned in their most recent issue. It's nice to know that EW is being used as a model for whom to report about. :rolleyes:

[Ricochet]

Boy. That is sad. I guess cartoons will never be the same... :(

[DarthGonzo]

Originally posted by Ricochet
Boy. That is sad. I guess cartoons will never be the same... :(

Sure they will. It's the sunday comics that apparently are gonna suffer.

Of course Music's death puts the kabosh on any new Garfield projects for now.

BTW: Tom and Jerry, the Magic Ring should be dedicated to both William Hanna and Ray Patterson.

[Howard]

Chase Craig, the editor and sometimes writer/artist behind Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies comics, various Disney titles and most of Dell/Western Publishing's comic books passed away on Dec. 2nd.

[Gossamer]

To the ones mentioned, I'd add Faith Hubley, who, together with her husband John and later her daughter Emily, produced a great deal of fine animation. The Hubleys won 3 Oscars for Animated Short and Faith produced a short a year every year from 1978 (after John's death) until 2001. She will be missed.

[Thad Komorowski]

That old lady who used to be in those REALLY annoying Old Navy commercials died in 2001 too. Perhaps that plane FINALLY crashed into a mountain... No that was just wrong!


But yes, it has been a very sad year for animation. :(



-Thad