Jim Ryan (writer)

Jim Ryan
Born
James Francis Ryan

(1936-04-21)April 21, 1936
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedAugust 31, 2022(2022-08-31) (aged 86)
Van Nuys, California, U.S.
Occupation
Years active1966–1998

James Francis Ryan (April 21, 1936 – August 31, 2022)[1] was an American screenwriter in the DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, also the Filmation studios[2] and Hanna–Barbera.

Career

Ryan began his career at DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, where he penned episodes of The Inspector[3] and scripted the Pink Panther short Psychedelic Pink.[4] At Filmation, he wrote for several cartoons alongside writing partner Bill Danch, including Mission: Magic! (starring Rick Springfield),[5] Shazam!, one of Ryan's few forays into live action,[6] and Fabulous Funnies.[7] Ryan and Danch were head writers of The Secret Lives of Waldo Kitty.[8]

His most notable contribution at the studio was Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. Ryan wrote early episodes of the series[9] as well as a Christmas special.[10] While working on Fat Albert, Ryan's scripts were reviewed by a panel of teachers and psychologists to ensure there was educational content.[11]

Ryan supervised stories for Hanna-Barbera's Casper and the Angels.[12] While with the studio, he wrote the 1988 film Scooby-Doo! and the Reluctant Werewolf.[13] Other productions Ryan wrote for include Pound Puppies and Tom & Jerry Kids.

In 1996, Ryan wrote an article for The Los Angeles Times, discussing his difficulty finding writing work at 60 years old and critiquing commercialism in animation.[14] His last script was an episode of Hey Arnold!.

Works

His works include:

References

  1. ^ "James Ryan Obituary - Los Angeles, California". Legacy.com. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  2. ^ "Filmation Sets Up See-Hear Cassette Dept". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 12 September 1970. p. 20. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  3. ^ Rhodes, Gary D.; Hogan, David J. (July 26, 2022). The Palgrave Encyclopedia of American Horror Film Shorts: 1915–1976. Springer International Publishing. p. 646. ISBN 9783030975647.
  4. ^ Lehman, Christopher P. (January 10, 2014). American Animated Cartoons of the Vietnam Era: A Study of Social Commentary in Films and Television Programs, 1961-1973. McFarland & Company. p. 132. ISBN 9780786451425.
  5. ^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: The shows, M-Z. McFarland & Company. p. 553.
  6. ^ Muir, John Kenneth (August 21, 2008). The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film and Television (2nd ed.). McFarland & Company. p. 460. ISBN 9780786437559.
  7. ^ Perlmutter, David (May 4, 2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 186. ISBN 9781538103746.
  8. ^ "NBC's Saturday line-up of "kiddie" shows". The Telegraph-Herald. August 29, 1975. p. 3.
  9. ^ "Animated Bill Cosby Special 'Weird Harold' Airs Fri". Ocala Star-Banner. April 27, 1973. p. 24.
  10. ^ Guida, Fred (August 2, 2006). A Christmas Carol and Its Adaptations: A Critical Examination of Dickens's Story and Its Productions on Screen and Television. McFarland & Company. p. 200. ISBN 9780786428403.
  11. ^ ""Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids"". Baltimore Afro-American. September 23, 1972. p. D-45.
  12. ^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003. Vol. 1. McFarland & Company. p. 188. ISBN 9780786420995.
  13. ^ Browning, John Edgar; Picart, Caroline Joan (January 10, 2014). Dracula in Visual Media: Film, Television, Comic Book and Electronic Game Appearances, 1921-2010. McFarland & Company. p. 155. ISBN 9780786462018.
  14. ^ Ryan, Jim (June 14, 1996). "Confessions of a cartoon writer". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. p. 15A.
  15. ^ Glut, Donald F. (1984). The Frankenstein Catalog. McFarland & Company. p. 300. ISBN 9780899500294.
  16. ^ Lentz, Harris M. (2001). Science Fiction, Horror & Fantasy Film and Television Credits: Television shows. McFarland & Company. p. 2076.