Ken Spears, co-creator of the beloved animated series “Scooby-Doo” and co-founder of Ruby-Spears Productions, has passed away on Friday at 82.
Spears’ son, Kevin, made this known to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, November 9, saying that his father died from complications resulting from Lewy body dementia.
Kevin expressed;
Ken will forever be remembered for his wit, his story-telling, his loyalty to family, and his strong work ethic. Ken has not only made a lasting impression on his family, but he has touched the lives of many as co-creator of ‘Scooby-Doo.’ Ken has been a role model for us throughout his life and he will continue to live on in our hearts.
Born in 1938, Spears lived in Los Angeles, California throughout the early years of his life. Spears worked as a sound editor for the legendary animation company Hanna-Barbera.
It was while working there he would meet Joe Ruby, the animator and producer with whom he would form a galvanising professional relationship.
Spears and Ruby created ‘Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?’ for Hanna-Barbera, serving as writers and editors on many early episodes.
The series went on to become an iconic part of pop culture, spawning animated spin-offs, feature films, video games and more.
Together, the pair also created“Dynomutt,” “Dog Wonder”, “Jabberjaw”, “The Barkleys”, “The Houndcats” and DePatie-Freleng.
In 1977, Spears and Ruby created their own studio, Ruby-Spears Productions. They produced several animated series, including “Superman,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” “Fangface,” “Mister T,” “The Plastic Man Comedy-Adventure Hour,” “Thundarr the Barbarian” and “Saturday Supercade”.
Ruby died earlier this year, on August 26, 2020, of natural causes.
Spears is survived by his two sons, Kevin and Chris; their wives, his five grandchildren and his three great-grandchildren.
