Joseph Barbera was born on March 24, 1911, in New York City. He developed an early interest in drawing and storytelling, which led him into the field of animation. Barbera began his career at Van Beuren Studios before moving on to MGM, where he collaborated with William Hanna. Together, they created the legendary Tom and Jerry shorts, which became icons of animation history, winning seven Academy Awards.
In 1957, when MGM’s animation unit shut down, Barbera and Hanna co-founded Hanna-Barbera Productions. The studio became a pioneer of television animation, producing beloved series such as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Jonny Quest, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, and many more. Their ability to produce cost-effective yet engaging animation revolutionized children’s programming.
Over his long career, Barbera helped shape modern cartoon entertainment and influenced generations of animators. He passed away on December 18, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, humor, and timeless characters that continue to entertain audiences worldwide.
