News
[R.I.P.] ‘Scooby Doo’ Co-Creator Ken Spears Has Passed Away at 82
Just a few months after the passing of Joe Ruby at 87 years old, we’ve learned the sad news today that his Scooby-Doo co-creator Ken Spears has passed away at the age of 82.
Spears died from complications related to Lewy body dementia, Variety reports.
“Ken will forever be remembered for his wit, his story-telling, his loyalty to family, and his strong work ethic,” Ken’s son Kevin told Variety. “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.”
The Ruby/Spears-created 1969 animated series “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” launched a multimedia franchise that has remained incredibly popular across decades and generations.
Ruby and Spears also created “Dynomutt” and “Jabberjaw” for Hanna-Barbera. The creative duo later launched Ruby-Spears Productions in 1977 and produced shows including “Fangface,” “The Plastic Man Comedy-Adventure Hour,” “Thundarr the Barbarian,” “Saturday Supercade,” “Mister T,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” “Sectaurs” and “Superman.”
“Spears is survived by his two sons, Kevin and Chris; their wives, his five grandchildren and his three great-grandchildren,” Variety notes.
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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