Joe Barbera, 1911-2006
Word was posted on the internet about 10 minutes ago that cartoon great Joe Barbera died Monday at 95 years old.
Joe changed my life forever, twice. Once, over a period of thirty years of his career, he partnered with Bill Hanna and gave me and millions of others laughter and joy with the thousands of cartoons they created. And then, when I was blessed enough to get the job as President of their namesake studio, he came to my rescue again, with stories, advice, and insight. Over and over again.
‘Pat’ Ventura told me once, when I asked why on earth he’d left the famous Disney feature unit to work on ‘Tom & Jerry Kids’, that sitting at the feet of a story and character master like Joe was worth giving away many careers. I couldn’t agree with him more.
R.I.P. Joe. Thanks for a better world. 
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On December 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
I wish I had gotten to know both of these guys a little better when I was at H-B. At least I can say I shook hands with greatness. R.I.P., Joe.
On December 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Wow, I just found out. How sad. Thanks for the memories Joe B.
You will be missed.
-JX!
On December 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
A terrible loss… he was a kind and funny man with more talent than most who paved the way for most of us who make our living in television today.
On December 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Flying back and forth from LA to NYC last week, I was lucky enough that, each way, in-flight Boomerang was airing Hanna-Barbera cartoons, from Huck to Hong Kong Phooey. It made me think again of the countless hours in my life I’ve spent watching H-B cartoons, and how they’ve impacted the way I react to not just animation, but also comedy, story-telling, and, most especially, characters in general. Joe Barbera was the most charming man I’ve ever met, and traveling around the country in the 1990s, accompanying him to animation art gallery appearances, I got to see first-hand the adoration of fans who counted Yogi, Scooby, and Tom & Jerry among their close friends. He was funny, sharp as a tack, never without an anecdote or ten, and like I said, the very definition of charismatic, even in his mid-eighties (although he looked fifteen years younger – “pasta and red wine”). He treated every fan as though they were as important as a Kellogg’s sponsor. Warners shorts may’ve been funnier, and Disney animation may’ve been slicker, but Hanna-Barbera cartoons projected a warmth unique, endearing, and personal, exemplifying the better qualities of both Joe Barbera and Bill Hanna. I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend so much time with him. Thanks for everything, Mr. Barbera.
On December 19th, 2006 at 12:00 am
the world is a much happier a place with Joe’s personal brand of humorous entertainment throughout it. such a wonderful legacy to have left us all. there can never be another like him. let those saint’s go marching in!
On December 19th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Wow….Thank you Fred for posting this, and thank you Eric for sharing your memories of Joe…I was so lucky to have met both Joe and Bill when I was a young starry eyed intern at HB..Joe was very very welcoming and kind. The last time I saw him was last year when I was at Warner’s, and it was an honor to get to shake his hand again.
On February 3rd, 2007 at 12:00 am
oh my ………now cartoon network studios should change its name BACK to Hanna Barbera in honor of what joe and bill did for them for becoming a successful network and rerun What A cartoon shorts