Joe Ruby death: Scooby-Doo co-creator dies, aged 87

Ruby launched the beloved cartoon with co-creator Ken Spears in 1969

Joe Ruby, the co-creator of the animated series Scooby-Doo, has died aged 87.

The animator and television writer died of natural causes on Wednesday in Westlake Village, California.

Together with co-writer Ken Spears, Ruby launched the beloved kids cartoon in 1969. The pair also wrote other series including Dynomutt and Jabberjaw.

“He never stopped writing and creating, even as he aged,” said his grandson Benjamin Ruby.

Sam Register, president of Warner Bros Animation, 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.”

The Hex Girls, sporting slight makeovers, alongside Scooby and Shaggy in ‘Scooby-Doo and the Legend of the Vampire’ (2003) (Warner Bros Animation)

Register continued, “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 honour of carrying on that legacy and send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones.”

Fans have paid tribute to the late animator on social media, thanking him for a “wonderful childhood”. One user wrote, “Rest in Peace man, You made my childhood a great one.”

After serving in the US navy, Ruby began his career at Walt Disney Productions. He then met Spears while working at Hanna-Barbera Productions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? launched in 1969. After it became a hit, Ruby and Spears were hired by CBS to oversee the Saturday morning cartoons.

Ruby is survived by his wife Carole, four children and 10 grandchildren.