Monday, February 17, 2025

Remembering William Hanna, the man who brought cartoons to life

Along with Joseph Barbera, William Hanna transformed the landscape of animated entertainment, shifting the medium from theatrical shorts to television series that captivated audiences of all ages

Remembering William Hanna, the man who brought cartoons to life




William Denby Hanna was born on July 14, 1910, in Melrose, New Mexico. Raised in a family that moved frequently due to his father’s work in the railroad industry, Hanna developed a love for drawing at a young age. This passion for art would later fuel his groundbreaking career in animation.
Hanna’s professional journey in animation began in the late 1920s when he joined the Pacific Title and Art Studio. His early work involved creating title cards for silent films. In 1930, Hanna moved to Harman and Ising’s studio, where he worked on the “Looney Tunes” and “Merrie Melodies” series for Warner Bros.
In 1937, Hanna joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s (MGM) animation department. It was here that he met Joseph Barbera, a partnership that would become one of the most prolific and successful collaborations in animation history. Together, they created the iconic “Tom and Jerry” series in 1940, which went on to win seven Academy Awards and cemented their reputation as leading animators.
The closure of MGM’s animation department in 1957 led Hanna and Barbera to establish their own studio, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The new studio quickly made a name for itself by pioneering television animation. They produced a series of beloved shows, starting with “The Huckleberry Hound Show” (1958) and “The Yogi Bear Show” (1961).
Their most significant breakthrough came with “The Flintstones” (1960-1966), the first prime-time animated television series. The show was a massive success and became a cultural phenomenon, paving the way for future animated sitcoms. Other notable creations from Hanna-Barbera included “The Jetsons” (1962-1963), “Jonny Quest” (1964-1965), “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” (1969-1970), and “The Smurfs” (1981-1989).
Hanna-Barbera Productions became a cornerstone of American television, producing over 3,000 half-hour shows and introducing numerous characters that became household names. Their innovative use of limited animation techniques allowed for cost-effective production, which was crucial for the television market.
William Hanna married Violet Blanch Wogatzke in 1936, and they had two children, David and Bonnie. Despite his professional success, Hanna remained a family man, often drawing inspiration from his personal life for his work.
William Hanna passed away on March 22, 2001, at the age of 90. He died of throat cancer at his home in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. His death marked the end of an era in animation.
Along with Joseph Barbera, William Hanna transformed the landscape of animated entertainment, shifting the medium from theatrical shorts to television series that captivated audiences of all ages. Hanna’s innovative approach and his ability to create endearing, timeless characters have left an enduring mark on popular culture.




Watch a 1979 interview with William Hanna



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