It is with great sadness that Scoop reports the passing of animation industry icon Iwao Takamoto. He passed away Monday, January 7, due to heart failure at the age of 81.


Born in Los Angeles to parents who emigrated from Japan, Takamoto's career spanned six decades, and among his larger contributions to the world of cartoons are his creation of Scooby Doo and Astro on The Jetsons, as well as his directorial role in the cartoon classic Charlotte's Web.

Takamoto worked under Disney's "nine old men," the studio's team of legendary animators, before moving to Hanna-Barbera Studios in 1961. There he worked on cartoons for television, including Josie and the Pussy Cats, The Great Grape Ape Show, Harlem Globe Trotters and The Secret Squirrel Show.

Takamoto is survived by his wife, Barbara, son Michael and stepdaughter Leslie.

Read more about his fascinating life here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002242.html.