GEORGE FOREMAN DEAD AT 76

 

You can read the full story here.

He played George Fisticuff, a parody of himself, in an episode of Garfield and Friends.

DAVID STEVEN COHEN DEAD AT 58

 

You can read the full story here.

He wrote for ALF Tales (also serving as story editor), Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Tiny Toon Adventures and Kenny the Shark.

DAVE MALLOW DEAD AT 76

 

You can read the full story here.

He voiced Baboo, Pudgy Pig, Mongo, Grumble Bee and Lizzinator on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers; Baboo, Midas Monster, Horsehead, Googleheimer, and Video Vulture on Power Rangers Zeo; Quincy Modo, Charterville Charlie, Borgslayer, and Shellator on Big Bad Beelteborgs; Merlock Holmes and Coconaut in Flint: The Time Detective; Termitis and Praying Mantis on Power Rangers in Space; Numemon, Chuumon, Angemon, Kokatorimon, Gekomon, Nanimon, narrator, MagnaAngemon, Upamon, Pegususmon, Sakkoumon, Tsubumon, Vilemon, Allomon, Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hypnos System, Grani, Goblimon, ToyAugmon, Piddomon, SkullSatamon, Pagumon and various voices in Digimon: Digital Monsters; Gasser and Magnetox on Power Rangers Lost Galaxy; Trifire on Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue; Commandocon and Black Knight on Power Rangers Time Force; Daemona’s dad and various roles in Phantom Investigators; and Vacuum Cleaner Org, Helicos, Narrator and Announcer on Power Rangers Wild Force. He also provided voices for The Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy.

CITY GUYS

 

CITY GUYS
(NBC, September 6, 1997-December 15, 2001)
 
Peter Engel Productions, NBC Enterprises

 

 

MAIN CAST:
Wesley Jonathan – Jamal Abdul Grant
Scott Whyte – Christopher Robert “Chris” Anderson
Caitlin Mowrey – Dawn Tartikoff
Dion Basco – Alberto “Rocket” Ramos
Gina McClain – Tina (pilot)
Marissa Dyan – Cassidy Giuliani (episode 2-on)
Steven Daniel – Lionel Hezekiah “El-Train” Johnson
Marcella Lowery – Principal Karen Coretta Noble

 

 

City Guys was another attempt by NBC to duplicate the success of Saved by the Bell for their Teen NBC programming block. Created by Bell creator Peter Engel and Scott Spencer Gorden, the series was set at the fictional Manhattan High (aka Manny High) in an unspecified area of New York City. Unlike their previous TNBC offerings set in sunny California, City Guys was delivered with a decidedly more urban flair.

The "Guys": Jamal, Chris, Cassidy, Ms. Noble, Dawn, El-Train and Al.

       The series began with Jamal Grant (Wesley Jonathan) and Chris Anderson (Scott Whyte) transferring into the school at the beginning of the school year. Jamal came from a working-class background and was suspended during his first two years at his previous school before being expelled. Chris came from a wealthy family and was kicked out of two prep schools and dishonorably discharged from military school. The two got along like oil and water until they were forced to work together on the school’s video yearbook by their principal and homeroom teacher, Ms. Noble (Marcella Lowery). They would eventually become friends, though still had a tendency to bicker and compete with each other mirroring the relationship between Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) from Bell.

Chillin' outside Manny High.

During their time there, Chris and Jamal managed to gain a group of friends. Dawn Tartikoff (named after former network president Brandon Tartikoff who tasked Engel with developing Bell, played by Caitlin Mowrey), was initially a relentless activist (emulating Elizabeth Berkley’s Bell character Jessie Spano) until that was eventually downplayed into her being more the smart girl of the group. Cassidy Giuliani (Marissa Dyan) was an aspiring actress who became a recurring love interest for Chris. Before they ended up together, one of her boyfriends was Nick Lachey of the vocal group 98 Degrees, who all made a guest-appearance in an episode. Al Ramos (Dion Basco) was the resident cool guy who always had a scheme under his sleeve, and for a time was Dawn’s boyfriend. Lionel “El-Train” Johnson (Steven Daniel) was a lovable goof who was held back seven times. El-Train initially started out as a typical bully character before that he was miraculously reformed between episodes; however, he did still have some bully tendencies towards others and almost reverted back a few times. When not in class, the gang usually hung out at the diner owned by Jamal’s father, Virgil (Ivory Ocean), or on the school’s rooftop (safety regulations be damned).

Tina don't want none of what Chris is offering.

        Appearing in the pilot was a girl named Tina (Gina McClain), a stuck-up model that Chris initially had an interest in even though she did nothing but show disdain for him; especially after Jamal tried to sabotage Chris’ efforts by revealing to her that they had bet Chris could get a date with her. She ended up being replaced by Cassidy for the remainder of the series.

Chris and Jamal on the air.

            City Guys debuted on NBC on September 6, 1997. Like other TNBC offerings, each episode was designed to deliver a prosocial message to the audience to learn along with the characters. Said characters were often engaged in schemes and plots that often had to be curtailed by Ms. Noble, like ditching assignments to go to sporting events/show tapings or setting up a swimming pool on the school’s roof to beat a heatwave, as well as encountering typical life troubles like sexual harassment, gang and gun violence, drugs, bullying and racism. The series was written by Gorden, Ilunga Adell, Paul Corrigan, Brad Walsh, Tom Tenowich, Kenneth Nowling, Barry Gurstein, David Pitlik, Robert Illes, David DiPietro, Brett Dewey, Leslie Eberhard, Paul Ciancarelli, Todd J. Greenwald, Kurt Taylor, James Dutcher, Barry “Berry” Douglas, Al Sonja L. Rice, Bernie Ancheta, Jay J. Demopoulos, Jeffrey J. Sachs, Jesse Collins and Josh Goldstein, with Nowling, Walsh, Corrigan, DiPietro and Ciancarelli serving as story editors. The series’ theme was composed by Joey Schwartz, Eric Swerdloff and Michael Muta-Ali Muhammad, with the rest of the series’ music composed by Schwartz. Dr. Karen Hill-Scott served as the educational consultant that ensured the series was meeting FCC requirements.

El-Train gets his shot at professional wrestling.

            The series ran for five seasons, culminating in the graduation of the students and retirement of Ms. Noble. However, the series finale didn’t end up being the final episode. “Al’s in Toyland”, which dealt with Al having to promote toy guns against his better judgement for work, was initially slated to air during October of 2001. It ended up being taken out of the rotation due to its content as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks that occurred the month prior. It finally aired that December after the finale.

Up on the roof.

        From September, 2001 to September, 2002, the series was sold as a syndication package alongside fellow TNBC series California Dreams to help networks fulfill their educational programming requirements set by the FCC. The series briefly aired on BET for three weeks in October 2010 before disappearing from the airwaves. While various episodes were uploaded to YouTube, the entire series wouldn’t be seen again until Tubi made it available for streaming in 2022.

 

EPISODE GUIDE:

Season 1:

“New Kids” (9/6/97) – Jamal and Chris start at Manny High School and end up being assigned to do the video year book for the school year.

 

“For the Love of Mother” (9/13/97) – When Chris’ mom bails on their plans to hold a fundraiser for the music department, he plans to sabotage the event.

 

“Knicks Tickets” (9/20/97) – Chris and Jamal get Dawn to record Shakespeare in the Park for them while they go to the Knicks and Lakers game.

 

“The Package” (9/27/97) – The guys devise a way to get Alberto out of unknowingly delivering drugs for a dealer.

 

“The Date” (10/4/97) – Al wants to DJ the spring dance and eliminates his competition so he can, while Jamal is unhappy that Chris is going with his sister.

 

“The Communication Gap” (10/11/97) – A fight with his father drives Chris to move in with Jamal and his father.

 

“Red Ferrari” (10/18/97) – When it seems like Chris’ parents forgot his birthday, Jamal convinces him to have one of his own and to drive his father’s car.

 

“Rock the Vote” (10/25/97) – Jamal and Chris manage Dawn and Cassidy during their run for Student Council President and the race gets dirty.

 

“The Movie” (11/1/97) – Jamal and Chris use the school’s video equipment to make a movie which ends up being a problem when Ms. Noble wants to see their progress on the yearbook.

 

“Future Shock” (11/8/97) – Everyone ends up reeling when a classmate is killed by a drunk driver.

 

“Easy Money” (11/15/97) – Using Chris’ skills of guessing the results of games lands him and Jamal in trouble.

 

“The College Girl” (11/22/97) – Chris pretends he’s an undercover cop in order to keep the interest of an older woman.

 

“Bye, Mom” (11/29/97) – Karen’s admittance to the hospital reminds Jamal of his mother’s death.

 

“Old Friends” (12/6/97) – Jamal’s friend gets out of juvie and resumes his criminal ways while Chris tries to finish the yearbook.

 

Season 2:

“Men Behind Bars” (9/12/98) – Chris and Jamal end up in jail after getting caught using fake IDs.

 

“Shock Jock” (9/19/98) – Chris and Jamal restart the school’s radio station that ends up quickly shut down when a forbidden song gets played.

 

“The Roommate” (9/26/98) – Chris lets El-Train stay with him after a fight with his mother, but when it’s clear he doesn’t want to leave Chris must find a way to get him to go home.

 

“Jamal Got His Gun” (10/3/98) – Jamal buys a gun to feel safe after he’s robbed at gunpoint.

 

“The Divorce” (10/10/98) – Chris doesn’t handle the news of his parents’ divorce well.

 

“Bully, Bully” (10/17/98) – Taking down a bully causes El-Train to revert to his former bullying ways.

 

“Dance Fever” (10/24/98) – Jamal asks Cassidy to have her boyfriend Nick Lachey get his group, 98 Degrees, to perform at their unofficial school dance.

 

“A Guy and a Goth” (10/31/98) – Chris makes a date with one of the callers to his radio show, but ends up being conflicted by the fact that she’s a goth.

 

“Big Brothers” (11/7/98) – Jamal and Chris are tasked with being a big brother for a class project, but their young charge ends up being a real pain.

 

“Over the Speed Limit” (11/14/98) – Cassidy becomes addicted to caffeine pills when she uses them to cope with her busy schedule.

 

“A Noble Profession” (11/21/98) – Fed up, Ms. Noble quits and her replacement turns out to be a real terror.

 

“Party of Three” (11/28/98) – Jamal gives relationship advice on his radio show that results in Al being dumped for him.

 

“Saving Private Johnson” (12/5/98) – El-Train decides to quit school over his bad grades and join the Marines.

 

“A Gift of Friendship” (12/12/98) – The gang comes together to help Al’s family when his father loses his job.

 

Season 3:

“Greece is the Word” (9/11/99) – Chris ends up in a love triangle when his summer girlfriend from Greece visits Manny High just as he begins a relationship with Cassidy.

 

“Mr. Baseball” (9/11/99) – Jamal lets being the hero of a baseball game go to his head so much that when they fail to win the next time he wants to quit.

 

“Alley Oops” (9/18/99) – Facing their bowling rivals, the guys plot to drop Dawn from the team so that they’ll have a chance of winning.

 

“Face the Music” (9/18/99) – El-Train’s musical hero steals his song while Al publishes unflattering pictures of Cassidy and Dawn in his magazine.

 

“The Players” (10/2/99) – Chris and Jamal plan to make a film together to enter into a film festival, but they end up splitting up and competing against each other instead.

 

“Raise the Roofies” (10/2/99) – Chris and Jamal stop a college guy from slipping Cassidy a date rape drug.

 

“Ebony & Ivory” (10/9/99) – The deputy mayor’s daughter hides the fact she’s going out with Jamal by telling her father she’s actually dating Chris.

 

“Reluctant Hero” (10/9/99) – Jamal lets Chris take the credit for stopping a mugging as he was supposed to be home grounded at the time.

 

“In this Corner” (10/16/99) – Jamal goes against his father’s wishes and enters a boxing tournament.

 

“El-Trainmania IV” (10/16/99) – El-Train is forced to choose between being a professional wrestler and his volunteer work while Jamal and Chris accept bribes to advertise local merchants on their show.

 

“Marriage Go Round” (10/23/99) – Jamal gets jealous when Ranya ends up as Chris’ marriage project partner.

 

“Movin’ on Up” (10/30/99) – The gang move in together as part of a reality show, and Chris and Jamal attempt to sow conflict in order to spice up the ratings and keep it from being cancelled.

 

“Down and Out in Soho” (10/30/99) – Dawn gets the gang involved with helping foreigners adjust to America, and one of them returns the favor by stealing from them.

 

“When Al Met Dawn” (11/6/99) – Dawn and Al enter into a secret relationship which becomes complicated when she presses him into accepting El-Train’s invitation for a double date.

 

“Funny Business” (11/6/99) – While interning, Chris’ boss makes unwanted sexual advances toward him.

 

“Get Your Vote On” (11/13/990 – Jamal runs against El-Train in the school elections.

 

“Angels of Harlem” (11/20/99) – The gang comes together to save Ms. Noble’s 100-year-old church from being torn down by Chris’ dad for a shopping mall.

 

“Rollin’ With the Homies” (11/20/99) – Jamal and Chris’ boss want them to befriend his son, which turns out to be difficult for Jamal as the boy is in a wheelchair.

 

“El-Train in the Sky with Geena” (11/27/99) – El-Train’s girlfriend steals from people in order to buy drugs.

 

“Miracle on 134^th Street and Lexington Avenue” (11/27/99) – While the gang throws a Christmas party for residents of the community center, Chris and Dawn attempt to bring a family back together.

 

“Yoko Oh-No” (12/3/99) – Jamal’s new girlfriend has him wrapped around her finger.

 

“Party Like It’s 1999” (12/3/99) – Unable to get to Times Square for New Years, the gang heads to the school roof to watch the fireworks and reminisce about the past year.

 

“Fast Time at Manny High” (2/12/00) – That gang must fast for one night in order to win $1000 to be split between charity and the school.

 

“Harlem Honey” (3/11/00) – When Jamal’s father falls for an internet girl he created, he convinces Ms. Noble to play the part for him.

 

“Mom on the Rocks” (6/10/00) – Cassidy deals with her mother’s drinking problem.

 

Season 4:

“Kickin’ It” (9/23/00) – Dawn tries to get Al to focus on his academics as much as his athleticism while the others help Ms. Noble get in shape for her class reunion.

 

“The Users” (9/23/00) – Chris and Jamal ditch their tutor to meet a famous DJ for an internship while Ms. Noble’s man trouble is causing her to be in a bad mood around the school.

 

“Cheat Happens” (9/30/00) – Chris and Jamal make cheat sheets to help keep them out of summer school, but they end up accidentally discovered in El-Train’s possession.

 

“Presumed Innocent” (9/30/00) – Al and El-Train audition to be slang-free radio DJs while Jamal and a gangbanger go to student court to settle a dispute.

 

“The Third Wheel” (10/7/00) – El-Train keeps spoiling Al and Dawn’s dates and Dawn convinces Al to find El-Train his own girl.

 

“Students of the Bride” (10/7/00) – While helping to save Ms. Noble’s wedding, Jamal and Cassidy begin to find feelings for each other.

 

“Mo’ Money and Mo’ Problems” (10/14/00) – When El-Train comes up with a lucrative idea he and the guys go into business together, but Al begins to take over.

 

“Kodak Moment” (10/14/00) – Chris gets involved with an international star and finds it harder than he thought while Jamal helps the girls with their project about the ghosts of the school.

 

“Meet Mr. History” (10/21/00) – Unable to find a genuine witness to an important historical event to interview, Chris and Jamal make one up so well that Ms. Noble books him onto a local TV show.

 

“Keep on the Download” (10/21/00) – A rivalry between school DJs escalates from good-natured pranks to costly property damage.

 

“Havoc” (10/28/00) – Chris quits his band to join a more popular one while the girls attempt to learn more about El-Train’s troll doll.

 

“Makin’ Up Is Hard to Do” (10/28/00) – Jamal gets into a dance battle with Malcolm at the school dance while an argument causes Al and Dawn to break up.

 

“Living in America” (11/4/00) – When an earthquake hits their penpals in Japan, the gang reflects on their lives over the last year.

 

“Shock Treatment” (11/4/00) – Chris and Jamal successfully cover for a shock jock who can’t make a broadcast from the school, but their success comes at the expense of their friends.

 

“Frisky Business” (11/11/00) – The students return from summer vacation to find their school turned into a virtual prison by new security measures installed by the school board.

 

“Jamal X” (11/11/00) – When Jamal’s uncle speaks at school, it sparks a desire to become more active in African American affairs and starts a club for the Black students.

 

“Subway Confessions” (11/18/00) – Ms. Noble attempts to get to the bottom of why the gang was sneaking into school, which all seem to center around various stories from the subway.

 

“Who Da Man” (11/18/00) – Dawn becomes a hero when the school paper gets wind of her saving Al and Cassidy from muggers on the train.

 

“Get to Preppin” (11/25/00) – Everyone struggles with studying for midterms, but Chris’ father ends up pulling strings to get him back into prep school where he absolutely won’t fail.

 

“Unhappy Hour” (12/2/00) – Invited to appear on a show to talk about their friendship, the gang all get drunk the night before and end up in a big fight.

 

“Compromising Principal” (12/2/00) – When Ms. Noble loosens up to attempt to win a popularity contest, the school erupts into chaos.

 

“Dating Games” (12/9/00) – Cassidy decides to play a game to get the school’s hottest guy to go to the Valentine’s dance with her, only to lead her to discover she has feelings for Chris.

 

“Wager Money Go” (12/9/00) – Jamal becomes addicted to gambling.

 

“El-Brain” (12/16/000 – El-Train is determined to prove how smart he is by entering the science fair.

 

“Pier Pressure” (12/16/00) – A party in the Hamptons goes awry when Chris, Cassidy, Dawn and Al end up stranded on a yacht when they run out of gas.

 

“Blast from the Past” (2/24/01) – Cassidy thinks Chris is cheating on her when he sneaks around to surprise her with an anniversary dinner.

 

Season 5:

“This Old Nerd” (9/8/01) – Jamal attempts to change an old friend from being a nerd, while El-Train unknowingly buys Ms. Noble a stolen watch.

 

“E-Breakup” (9/8/01) – When she ends up falling for someone she chatted with over E-Mail, Dawn and Al realize they really don’t have enough in common to keep dating.

 

“Chicken Run” (9/22/01) – When Jamal fights a gangbanger to prove he’s not chicken, Chris ends up getting stabbed trying to protect him.

 

“Papa Please” (9/22/01) – Dawn and Al try to help Ms. Noble kick her smoking habit while Cassidy asks El-Train to pose as an abusive boyfriend to make Chris more appealing to her father.

 

“Red Dawn” (9/29/01) – Dawn has problems with Al finding a new girl so soon after their split while the other guys have a Survivor-type competition in the park.

 

“Dances with Malcolm” (9/29/01) – Jamal drops Chris for Malcolm as his dance partner to audition as backup dancers for the group Six Street.

 

“Al’s in Toyland” (12/15/01) – Al is tasked with marketing a toy gun and attempts to do so as non-violently as possible while Ms. Noble signs up everyone else for marching band to fulfill a requirement.

 

“Just for the Record” (10/6/01) – Al and El-Train’s internship at a record label ends up in jeopardy when one of them doesn’t pull their weight.

 

“Skips, Lies and Radiotapes” (10/6/01) – Jamal and Chris want to take advantage of Senior Ditch Day and skip out on a charity fundraiser radio broadcast.

 

“Dawn Don’t Know Jack” (10/13/01) – Dawn falls for Chris’ old prep school friend who turns out to be two-timing her.

 

“Rosie O’ Diner” (10/13/01) – Jamal ends up in the position of having to fire the outspoken waitress at the diner he falls for.

 

“Cassidy Couch” (10/20/01) – Cassidy ignores Chris’ warning about the director of a play when she ends up promoted to the lead role after the original lead quits because of him.

 

“Brother from Another Mother” (10/20/01) – To combat a heatwave the kids set up a pool on the school roof while Jamal’s father and El-Train’s mother meet and fall for each other.

 

“Weight on Jamal” (10/27/01) – Jamal is offered steroids to help him get in shape for USC, while the others deal with an excessively mean pottery teacher.

 

“Basket Case” (10/27/01) – El-Train is worried winning against his girlfriend in athletics will cause a rift between them.

 

“An SAT Carol” (11/3/01) – Overwhelmed with studying, El-Train decides to skip the SATs.

 

“Mock the Vote” (11/3/01) – Chris and Jamal accidentally cause Dawn to lose the student elections, and the new class president ends their radio show.

 

“Prose and Cons” (11/3/01) – His poetry makes El-Train a hit with the ladies, which causes him to neglect his girlfriend.

 

“Why Y’all Clippin” (11/10/01) – A dispute over a yearbook picture causes the gang to give each other the silent treatment.

 

“Model Behavior” (11/17/01) – Jamal ends up bothered by the attention his girlfriend gets from guys after modeling for a magazine.

 

“Almost Fatal” (11/17/01) – A car crash changes Chris, Jamal and El-Train’s view of life.

 

“Anchors Away” (11/24/01) – Dawn becomes anxious with all the changes looming at the end of senior year.

 

“Video Killed the Radio Star” (11/24/01) – When the others create a wildly successful TV show during their air time, Chris and Jamal attempt to sabotage it.

 

“Prom-Lems” (12/1/01) – Cassidy and Dawn think Chris wants to marry Cassidy when he plans to give her a ring.

 

“Goodbye Manny High” (12/8/01) – A mix-up causes everyone to receive the wrong diplomas, and El-Train may not be able to graduate at all.

 

“And Then There Were None” (12/8/01) – Ms. Noble and the gang come together to reminisce about their time together for one final time.

PETER ENGEL DEAD AT 88

 

You can read the full story here.

Best known for retooling Good Morning, Miss Bliss into the successful Saved by the Bell franchise, for which he also produced and wrote, leading to the creation of the Teen NBC programming block. He also served as executive producer on California Dreams, Saved by the Bell: The New Class (appearing as Murray on an episode), Hang Time (appearing as The Commissioner on an episode), One World, and City Guys (which he created).  

IN REMEMBRANCE: 2024

Our annual tribute of those we lost this past year that helped bring our Saturday mornings to life. You may not recognize all of their faces and names, but these are some of the people we have to thank. Notice any we may have missed? Let us know.

Jennell Jaquays (January 10) – Game designer, artist and writer. She worked on the original Donkey Kong, which served as the basis for the animated series.

 

Reid Harrison (January 15) – Writer and producer. Wrote for Pinky and the Brain, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo Get a Clue!, Alvinnn!!! And the Chipmunks, and Sonic Boom.

 

Martin Forte (January 18) – Background artist. Worked on Journey to the Center of the Earth (1967), The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure, The Archie Show, The Adventures of Batman, Fantastic Voyage, Joise and the Pussycats, The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show, The Flintstone Comedy Hour, Scooby’s Laff-A-Lympics, Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979), Casper and the Angels, The New Shmoo, Godzilla (1978), The Super Globetrotters, The Flintstone Comedy Show, The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang, The Kwicky Koala Show, Super Friends, The Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Show, Space Stars, Trolkins, The Smurfs (1981), Shirt Tales, The Gary Coleman Show, Pac-Man, The New Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo Show, The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo, The Flintstone Kids, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, Tiny Toon Adventures, and Captain Planet and the Planeteers.

 

Jean-Guy Jacques (January 24) – Animator, actor, sheet timer and director. He was a supervising director on Zazoo U and directed an episode of Garfield and Friends.

 

David Mink (January 27) – Artist. Worked as a layout artist on Beany and Cecil (1988); prop designer on The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Darkwing Duck, Goof Troop, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987), Aladdin, Gargoyles and Pinky and the Brain; character designer on The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries; and storyboard artist on Detention and The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries.

 

Mark Gustafson (February 1) – Animator and director. Credited with the concept that was turned into The California Raisins animated series.

 

Carl Weathers (February 2) – Actor. Played Omnitraxus Prime and provided additional voices for Star vs. the Forces of Evil.

 

Alain Dorval (February 13) – Actor. Provided the French dubs for Pete in Goof Troop and Lex Luthor in Superman: The Animated Series.

 

Kent Melton (February 22) – Character sculptor. He designed characters and props for The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley and character-based sculptures for Tiny Toon Adventures.

 

Ramona Fradon (February 24) – Comic book artist that primarily worked for DC Comics. She co-created Metamorpho, Simon Stagg and Sapphire Stagg, who all appeared in Beware the Batman (with the former also in Young Justice). She also drew most of the Super Friends tie-in comic series, an issue of Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog, and two issues of SpongeBob Comics.

 

Richard Lewis (February 27) – Actor, writer and comedian. He guest-starred as Neurosis in Hercules: The Animated Series and as Buddy in Pound Puppies (2010).

 

Janice Burgess (March 2) – Writer, producer and Nickelodeon executive known for creating The Backyardigans. Once production wrapped on that show, she transitioned over to the Winx Club revival as a writer, story editor and creative consultant.

 

Mark Dodson (March 2) – Actor. Voiced Professor Moliarty’s Henchmoles in Darkwing Duck.

 

Gloria Palter (March 8) – Animation checker. Worked on Men in Black: The Series, Godzilla: The Series and Skunk Fu!

 

M. Emmet Walsh (March 19) – Actor. Starred as Rocco in “The Adventures of Con Sawyer and Hucklemary Finn” episode of ABC Weekend Specials; Mack in Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot; Jeb in an episode of What’s New, Scooby-Doo?; and Olaf in Pound Puppies (2010).

 

Kathleen Barnes (March 20) – Writer. She worked on The Secrets of Isis, Tarzan Lord of the Jungle, The New Archie/Sabrina Hour, Space Sentinels, Godzilla (1978), and Space Stars, for which she also served as story editor.

 

Mark Blankfield (March 20) – Actor, writer and singer. Appeared as James the actor on two episodes of Saved by the Bell (1989) and Saved by the Bell: The New Class.

 

Eli Noyes (March 23) – Animator best-known for his work in stop motion using clay and sand. He created the Sand Alphabet shorts, which taught children letters through stop-motion animated sand, that aired on Sesame Street from 1973 until 2001.

 

Lou Gossett Jr. (March 28) – Actor. Played Commander Clash in Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Chiron in Hercules: The Animated Series, and Lucius Fox in The Batman (2004).

 

Joe Flaherty (April 1) – Actor, writer and comedian. Best known for his tenure on sketch comedy series SCTV, where he originated the parody character of vampiric horror movie host Count Floyd. He reprised the character in live-action segments of The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley.

 

Harry Sabin (April 15) – Actor and artist. He was the key character designer on Camp Candy.

 

Curtis James Crawford (April 27) – Animator, writer, filmmaker and producer. He was a supervising director on Doug; animation supervisor on Dennis the Menace (1986); overseas animation supervisor on Alvin & the Chipmunks (1983); animator on The Raccoons; and storyboard artist on Captain Planet and the Planeteers.

 

Roger Corman (May 9) – Director, producer and actor. Known as “King of the Bs”, he was notable for making independent films on a small budget that wound up becoming cult classics and giving many established actors their big breaks. His 1960 horror comedy film, The Little Shop of Horrors, was adapted in the 1991 animated series Little Shop on which Corman served as a consultant.

 

Peter Bennett (May 17) – Artist. He worked as a background painter on ChalkZone and SpongeBob SquarePants, and also became art director for SpongeBob and its spinoffs. He was a contributing artist to some of SpongeBob’s comics as well.

 

Dabney Coleman (May 17) – Actor. Voiced Horace Scope in an episode of The Magic School Bus, played Principal Peter Prickly in the Recess franchise, and played the mayor in several episodes of Pound Puppies (2010).

 

Darryl Hickman (May 22) – Actor, writer, executive and acting coach whose career began in the Golden Age of Hollywood. He played Kid Comet in Space Stars; Pac-Junior in Pac-Man; Wags in The Biskitts; Marbles and Hornet in Challenge of the GoBots; Roadie in Pole Position; and Steve Trevor and additional voices in Super Friends. He also provided additional voices for Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979), Wildfire (1986), A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, and Superman (1988).

 

Benji Gregory (June 13) – Actor. Best known for his role in ALF, he played Andy in an episode of Pound Puppies (1987) and Biff Jr. as well as provided additional voices for Back to the Future: The Animated Series.

 

Étienne Willem (June 16) – Artist. Served as storyboard supervisor for Dino Squad and Horseland.

 

Willie Mays (June 18) – Baseball player, regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He voiced himself in the “Willie Mays and the Say-Hey Kid” episode of The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie.

 

Taiki Matsuno (June 26) – Actor. Provided the Japanese voices for Miguel in The Vision of Escaflowne and SpongeBob SquarePants in SpongeBob SquarePants.

 

Martin Mull (June 27) – Actor, comedian and musician. He voiced Paul Prickly in two episodes of Recess and Governor Kevin in Teamo Supremo.

 

Tom Wyner (June 30) – Actor, writer and voice director. He played the director, security guard and captain in an episode of The Real Ghostbusters; Bones, Minotaur, Professor, Dark Warrior, Genie, Spidertron, Frankenstein, TV announcer, Commander Crayfish, Doomstone, The Plague Sentry and various voices in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers; reprised The Plague Sentry for Masked Rider; Graxxis and Green Cannon Machine in Big Bad Beetleborgs; Electrovolt, General Havoc and Goldgoyle in Power Rangers Turbo; Dark Lord in Flint: The Time Detective; Furio, Cannonbrawl and a PA announcer in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy; Devimon, Principal Seiji Kurosawa, Devidramon, Catsuramon, Spikemin, Volcamon and narrator in Digimon: Digital Monsters; Grimlock in Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001); Fatcatfish in Power Rangers Time Force; and Plugma Org, Samurai Org and Lion Tamer Org in Power Rangers Wild Force. He also wrote for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Flint: The Time Detective and Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001).

 

James B. Sikking (July 13) – Actor. Played a foreman and Harry in episodes of Batman Beyond.

 

Richard Simmons (July 13) – Fitness instructor and television personality. Played Physedipus in Hercules: The Animated Series.

 

Whitney Rydbeck (July 15) – Actor, director and cinematographer. Appeared as Professor Rundspock on an episode of Far Out Space Nuts; Mr. Fenton on an episode of Big John, Little John; Mr. Android on an episode of the Wonderbug segment of The Krofft Supershow; a watchman on an episode of Monster Squad (1976); and a man in the elevator on an episode of Fudge.

 

John Aprea (August 5) – Actor. Appeared as Mr. De Luca in an episode of Saved by the Bell: The New Class.

 

Mitzi McCall (August 8) – Comedian, actor and writer. She starred as Penny in The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show and The Flintstone Comedy Hour; Elektra 6000, Shazalle and additional voices in The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang; Miss Burns in Rick Moranis in Gravedale High; Talula LaTrane in Yo Yogi!; Ammonia Pine in Darkwing Duck; Mother Goose in Mother Goose and Grimm/Grimmy; Mame Slaughter in Captain Planet and the Planeteers; and Golda Meir in Histeria! She also provided additional voices in Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979), The Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Show, The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries, Snorks, Bobby’s World and Monster in My Pocket: The Big Scream, which aired as an episode of ABC Weekend Specials.

 

Rachael Lillis (August 10) – Actor and writer, best known as the original English voice for Misty, Jesse, Violet, Darlet, Jessebell, Yolanda, Tommy, Suzie, Tilly, Maylene, Kenny, Keanu, Alyssa, Gary’s cheerleaders, Yuko (Hoenn), Vulpix, Goldeen, Jigglypuff, Beautifly, Horsea, Poliwag, Torchic, Chansey, Blissey, Ditto, Ralts, Caserin, Luverin, Wigglytuff, Ninetales, Jynx, Clamperl, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Surskit, Masquerain, Kirlia, Gardevoir, Silcoon, Spoink, Swablu, Luvdisc and various other minor roles in the first 8 seasons of Pokémon. She also voiced Adena’s Nursmaid and a fairy in Yu-Gi-Oh!; Danny and a reporter in Sonic X; Tomoe Ame and Lonae in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003); Ursula, Laura and Dr. Reece Drake in Dinosaur King; Faragonda, Amaryl and Lucy in Winx Club; Ms. Globular in Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures; and provided additional voices in Mew Mew Power.

 

Peter Marshall (August 15) – Actor, writer and game show host. Best known as the original long-serving host of Hollywood Squares, he hosted a Saturday morning version called Storybook Squares in 1969.

 

Phil Donahue (August 18) – Media personality, writer and producer credited with revolutionizing the talk show format. He appeared on an episode of Sesame Street “covering” the revelation that Mr. Snuffleupagus was real, and in two of their specials.

 

Nigel Lambert (September ?) – Actor. Played Mr. Curry in The Adventures of Paddington Bear.

 

Brian Trueman (September 1) – Actor, writer and broadcaster. He wrote for Thomas and Friends and Postman Pat.

 

Peter Renaday (September 8) – Actor. Voiced Space Marshall Vaughn in Space Ace; Felix the Furrier, the President and Monkey #2 in “The Bollo Caper” episode of ABC Weekend Specials; The Master Renegade, Water Walk and Psycho in Challenge of the GoBots; Master Blaster in Kidd Video; Ebenezer Scrooge in The Real Ghostbusters; Jack in Oggy and the Cockroaches; Frederick Vincent, Austrian Emperor, Town Cryer and Carmine in Jem; Master Splinter, General Traag, Vernon Fenwick, Myron Bimbleton, Tony “The Butcher” Vivaldi, Wilbur Weazell, Mr. X, Pinky McFingers, Big Louie, Krang’s Android Body, Bogart Flywheel/Phantom, and various minor characters in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987); Gratchit and Pixling Elder in The Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy; Detective Logan in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures; Derek Blunt in Darkwing Duck; 2^nd Longshoreman in Batman: The Animated Series; Bailiff, Judge Lupine and Abraham Lincoln in Animaniacs; Fortress I Captain, a father and a commander in Gargoyles; Shadow Priest in Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm; an auctioneer in The New Batman Adventures; a news anchor, clerk and captain in Superman: The Animated Series; and Louie Z. Anna, a TV announcer and an auctioneer in The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries.
 
He also provided additional voices for Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979), Alvin & the Chipmunks (1983), Snorks, Wildfire (1986), CBS Storybreak, The Karate Kid: The Animated Series, The Pirates of Dark Water, Aladdin and The Savage Dragon.

 

Emi Shinohara (September 8) – Actor. Provided the Japanese voices for Ayane/Dr. Abby and Aya in Pokémon; Kaho Mizuki/Layla MacKenzie in Cardcaptors; and Judy Mizuhara/Judy Tate in Beyblade.

 

Philip Williams (September 8) – Actor. Played Toulouse in Cadillacs and Dinosaurs; Banshee and Black Tom Cassidy in X-Men: The Animated Series; Sailors, Geezer Tree #3, a sea captain, crew members, Ash and additional voices in The Neverending Story; King’s Advisor and sailor #1 in episodes of Mythic Warriors: Guardians of the Legend; Ted and Ant 2 in Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends; and Zell and Yug in Time Warp Trio. He also provided additional voices for Wild C.A.T.s: Covert Action Teams and Busy Town Mysteries.

 

James Earl Jones (September 9) – Actor, best known for his signature deep voice that embodied Star Wars’ Darth Vader and The Lion King’s Mufasa. Along with being considered the first celebrity guest on Sesame Street, he made several more appearances later on, provided the narration for “The Parsley Garden” episode of ABC Weekend Specials, played Diablo in an episode of Garfield and Friends; and reprised the role of Mufasa for The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar.

 

Tito Jackson (September 15) – Musician. He was a founding member of the Jackson 5, who went on to have their own animated series using his name and likeness, and his voice during song segments.

 

Elliot Field (September 23) – Actor. Played Nagira in The Incredible Hulk (1982).

 

Michael Swanigan (September 24) – Artist. He designed characters and was a supervising producer for The Mask: The Animated Series; worked on storyboards for The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam!, The New Adventures of Zorro, The Incredible Hulk  (1982), Pole Position, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Galtar and the Golden Lance, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, Care Bears, Foofur, ALF Tales, Dennis the Menace (1986), The Real Ghostbusters, Superman (1988), Adventures of the Gummi Bears, Denver the Last Dinosaur, Garfield and Friends, Tiny Toon Adventures, Camp Candy, The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, The Wizard of Oz, Captain N: The Game Master, Swamp Thing (1991), ProStars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987), Wish Kid, Defenders of Dynatron City, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Conan the Adventurer, Sonic the Hedgehog (1993), All-New Dennis the Menace, X-Men: The Animated Series, Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Darkstalkers, Ultraforce, Street Fighter: The Animated Series, Gargoyles, Jungle Cubs, The Mask: The Animated Series, Men in Black: The Series, Silver Surfer, Static Shock, X-Men: Evolution, Sherlock Holmes in the 22^nd Century, Stuart Little, Ozzy & Drix, Loonatics Unleashed, and Tutenstein; and was story director on Saturday Supercade, Mister T, The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians, and The Flintstone Kids.

 

Ken Page (September 30) – Actor. Best known as the voice of Oogie Boogie in the Nightmare Before Christmas franchise, he provided narration and voiced a man in an episode of All Grown Up!

 

Bob Foster (September 30) – Animator. He co-developed Road Rovers; did layouts for Yogi’s Gang, Wheelie and the Chopper Bunch, CB Bears, Scooby’s Laff-A-Lympics, Yogi’s Space Race, Jana of the Jungle, The New Shmoo, Godzilla (1978), Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Meatballs and Spaghetti, The Incredible Hulk (1982), Dragon’s Lair and Garfield and Friends; storyboards for Little Muppet Monsters, The New Archies, Camp Candy, Little Shop, Garfield and Friends, Superman: The Animated Series, Freakazoid!, Hercules: The Animated Series, Mickey Mouseworks, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Xiaolin Showdown, Tutenstein, Tom and Jerry Tales, and Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates; was story director for The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley; and did models for Garfield and Friends.

 

Doc Harris (October 5) – Actor. He was the narrator for Captain N: The Game Master; Guiji, Golem, Evil hare #1, Captain Astro, Battle Rocks, Doctor and Zilla in Monster Rancher; Old Guard in an episode of Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu; and Grogar in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. He also provided voices for Camp Candy.

 

Brad Goodchild (October 18) – Storyboard artist, production manager, director and animator. He was the overseas supervisor on Dog City, Aladdin, Gargoyles, Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series, Pepper Ann, and Hercules: The Animated Series; a storyboard artist on Star Wars: Droids, Pepper Ann, Young Justice, Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures, Transformers: Rescue Bots, Where’s Waldo? (2019) and Hailey’s On It!; a designer on The Magic School Bus; a unit manager on Beetlejuice: The Animated Series; and a director on Pepper Ann.

 

Teri Garr (October 29) – Actor. She starred as Mary McGinnis in the Batman Beyond franchise, and appeared as Amelia Adams in an episode of Sesame Street; as herself in an episode of The Weird Al Show; and Sandy Gordon in an episode of What’s New, Scooby-Doo?

 

Bob McKnight (November ?) – Animator. Worked as a character layout artist on Tiny Toon Adventures; model designer and storyboard artist on Animaniacs (1993); and did storyboards for Pinky and the Brain and Mickey Mouse Works.

 

Alan Rachins (November 2) – Actor. Voiced The Clock King, aka Temple Fugate, in Batman: The Animated Series and Norman Osborn in The Spectacular Spider-Man.

 

Quincy Jones (November 3) – Music producer, arranger, composer, conductor, bandleader and trumpeter whose recordings are credited with revolutionizing music. He appeared on two episodes of Sesame Street.

 

Tony Todd (November 6) – Actor. Played Augustus Freeman/Icon in Young Justice.

 

George Wilkins (November 9) – Composer. Provided music for The All-New Popeye Hour and the ABC Weekend Specials episode “The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin”.

 

Dan Hennessey (November 13) – Actor and voice director. As an actor, he was the original Chief Quimby and several minor characters in Inspector Gadget (1983); Catchum Crocodile in The Get Along Gang; Brave Heart Lion, Loyal Heart Dog, Mr. Miller and an announcer in Care Bears; King Gorneesh and Trom 1 in Star Wars: Ewoks; Jord Dusat, Uncle Gundy, Yorpo and Vinga in Star Wars: Droids; Puzzle in Popples; Beaster and Nasty Nigel in My Pet Monster; Sloop and Eggbert Petty in ALF Tales; RoboCop in RoboCop; Cap’n Kidder, Billy the Crud and additional voices in Beetlejuice; Bully Koopa, Crime Wave Clyde and additional voices in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, and reprised Bully in Super Mario World; Huff in Piggsburg Pigs!; George Racoon, Train Engineer Sid and Sidekick in The Raccoons; Large Cat, Baron Von Rottweiler and Bouvier DeFlaundra in Dog City; Sunder, Ruckus and Chrome in X-Men: The Animated Series; Junkman in The Incredible Crash Dummies; a general in Ultraforce; Patsy the Gorilla, Lars the Gorilla and a police officer in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective; South Wind, South Wind Giant and Troll Head #2 in The Neverending Story; the Commissioner in The Adventures of Sam & Max: Freelance Police; Royal Advisor, Physician, Nessus, Young Hero, Bald Headed Hunter, a Titan and various small roles in Mythic Warriors: Guardians of the Legend; Retirement Home Resident #3 in Rescue Heroes; and provided additional voices in Garbage Pail Kids, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures, Little Shop, Hammerman, and Wild C.A.T.s: Covert Action Teams.
 
As a voice director, he worked on Care Bears, Beetlejuice, Stickin’ Around, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, X-Men: The Animated Series, The Magic School Bus, Blaster’s Universe, Birdz, and Rescue Heroes.

 

Jan Browning (November 19) – Animation painter, inker and checker. She worked as a checker on Gravedale High, Tom & Jerry Kids Show, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures, The Pirates of Dark Water, Tiny Toon Adventures and its films, Taz-Mania, Batman: The Animated Series and its films, Animaniacs (1993), The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries, Pinky & the Brain, Superman: The Animated Series, Road Rovers, Waynehead, Freakazoid!, Histeria!, Detention, Batman Beyond and its film, Static Shock, Jackie Chan Adventures, What’s New Scooby-Doo?, Ozzy & Drix, Xiaolin Showdown, Duck Dodgers, ¡Mucha Lucha!, The Batman (2004) and its film, Loonatics Unleashed, Legion of Super Heroes, Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue!, Tom & Jerry Tales, Young Jusstice, Marvel’s Spider-Man and Teen Titans GO! to the Movies. She was also a background painter and final supervisor for SpongeBob SquarePants.

 

Andy Paley (November 20) – Prolific songwriter and composer. Worked on Digimon: Digital Monsters and SpongeBob SquarePants.

 

Earl Holliman (November 25) – Actor. Voiced Milton in an episode of Captain Planet and the Planeteers.

 

Jim Abrahams (November 26) – Writer, producer and director best known as part of the creative team behind the Naked Gun film series and spoof films like Airplane! He was a writer on Big John, Little John.

 

Morgan Lofting (November 27) – Actor. Played Aunt May and Black Cat in Spider-Man (1981); Vera and Lexa in episodes of Jem; and Fistina, Yetta and additional voices in Ben 10: Omniverse. She also provided voices for Meatballs & Spaghetti.

 

Don Perro (December 1) – Animator and educator. Worked on The Raccoons.

 

Daniel Ridgers (December 2) – Artist and animation producer. He worked as a recording coordinator on Life with Louie and was an associate producer on Mickey Mouse (2013).

 

Diane Delano (December 13) – Actor. Starred as Stompa in Superman: The Animated Series; a cave girl in an episode of The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries; Officer Barry in 2 episodes of Saved by the Bell: The New Class; Miss Berkely in an episode of The Zeta Project; Ma Vreedle and Pretty Boy #1 in Ben 10: Omniverse; and Devastation in 2 episodes of Young Justice.

 

Anita Bryant (December 16) – Singer and controversial activist. She made several appearances on American Bandstand.

 

Chris “Dr.” Minz (December 16) – Artist. Worked as a layout artist on Star Wars: Droids, Beetlejuice: The Animated Series, Fievel’s American Tails, The Magic School Bus, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Neverending Story, The Adventures of Sam & Max: Freelance Police, and Tales from the Cryptkeeper; and an overseas supervisor on Ned’s Newt.

 

John Erwin (December 20) – Actor best known as the original He-Man. He played Reggie Mantle in Filmation’s Archie franchise based on the comics. He also played Reggie, Cousin Ambrose, Hexter, J.R., Humphrey and Hank in Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1970); Dick Tracy, Alvin, Smokey Stover, Spooky, Gaylord Buzzard and various others in Archie’s TV Funnies; Q and Slick in The New Archie/Sabrina Hour; Casey Balloo in “The Horse That Played Center Field” episode of ABC Weekend Specials; and Ronald Radford III and Clumpley in The Thing. He also provided voices for Foofur.

 

Britt Allcroft (December 25) – Writer, producer, director and actor. Responsible for adapting Wilbert Awdry’s The Railway Series into the Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends franchise; for which she wrote, produced and acted in through its various incarnations and spin-off films.

 

Olivia Hussey (December 27) – Actor. Played Queen Gertrude in an episode of Pinky and the Brain and Talia Al Ghul in Superman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond.

 

Mike Toth (December 29) – Animator. He worked on The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam!, Blackstar, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, and The Tarzan/Lone Ranger/Zorro Adventure Hour.

 

John Capodice (December 30) – Actor. Played Ceasar Carlini and provided additional voices in Superman: The Animated Series.

 

Shigeko Doyle (??) – Ink and paint artist. Worked on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987), Toxic Crusaders, The Mask: The Animated Series, Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm, and The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat.

 

Maurice Edwards (??) – Artist. He designed backgrounds for Men in Black: The Series, Godzilla: The Series, The Batman (2004), Loonatics Unleashed and Biker Mice from Mars (2006).