Joe Ruby passed away at age 87 in his home in Los Angeles. His wife Carole confirmed that he passed away on August 26, 2020. He was a Veteran of the Korean War. He worked for Disney, Hanna-Barbera, and his partnership company Ruby-Spears Productions.
Joe and Ken Spears co-created the hit cartoon Scooby Doo Where Are You? They pulled in pieces form other shows like The Archie Show, Dobie Gillis, I Love a Mystery radio series, and comedy greats of Abbott and Costello and Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. This was created to be a soothing and nonviolent cartoon during a time of unrest with Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination and the Vietnam War.
Ruby and Spears never really got the credit they deserved and definitely didn’t get rich off of royalties. Scooby Doo remains of the must successful cartoon franchises. It still has a ton of merchandising. Ruby nor Spears ever saw a dime of it.
Ruby and Spears went out on their own in the late 70s to create their own studio . Ruby-Spears Productions was born. They notable created one of my favorites, Thundarr the Barbarian. They also created cartoon Fangface (werewolf and group of teens) and a reboot of Alvin and the Chipmunks and many others.
Joe Ruby was known for mentoring and giving chances to new writers. Help the next generation get their break with his encouragement.
Rest in Peace Mr Joe Ruby. You will be remembered for all of your contributions and pouring your life into others . You will be missed.
(Via NYTimes)
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