Iwao Takamoto, who learned about illustration in a Japanese internment camp, died Monday at 81. He was best known for creating Scooby-Doo, an animation staple for generations.
Takamoto graduated from high school when World War II began, and he and his family were sent to the Manzanar internment camp. He learned about illustration from fellow internees.
I used to watch Scooby-Doo every week when Saturday mornings were cartoon time on TV. Until I read the obits this morning, I didn't know Takamoto was Scooby's creator. I should have paid more attention to the credits when I was a kid.
Takamoto had a great career that spanned more than 60 years. He worked on some other animated classics, including Charlotte's Web, Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp and The Flintstones.
Associated Press obit with video via LATimes.com
Wikipedia on Iwao Takamoto
Posted by harry at January 9, 2007 9:00 AM
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Takamoto was a stoner who modeled Shaggy after himself (always had the munchies, paranoid and squirrelly)
Wow I never knew the creator was Asian Am. Crazy stuff.
IWAO TAKAMOTO DID NOT CREATE SCOOBY DOO!! The actual, real, proven creators of Scooby Doo were Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. Go to www.rubyspears.com and find "The History of Scooby Doo" and read the real story! Iwao Takamoto only designed Scooby based on Ruby & Spears written description.
Iwao Takamoto was the designer and the creator of scooby-doo, ok! He is the best animator I've ever heard of. He is an amazing man. God bless him!
thank you :)