Scooby-Doo creator, legendary cartoonist Iwao Takamoto dies
Los Angeles - Iwao Takamoto, the animator who created Scooby-Doo and directed the cartoon classic "Charlotte's Web," dies at 81. He also animated such cartoon series as "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons". Other projects he assisted in included "Cinderella", "101 Dalmations", and "Lady and the Tramp." Takamoto was born in Los Angeles to Japanese immigrants. He and his family were one of many Japanese American families sent to the Japanese American internment camp at Manzanar, Calif. It was there at Manzanar that Takamoto began to learn illustration. When he and his family released from camp, Takamoto began an apprenticeship at Walt Disney Studios. He then worked for Hanna-Barbera where he eventually became Vice President of Creative Design. He is survived by his wife and two children. Mainichi Daily News (January 9, 2007) |