William Hanna redefined the reach of animation by shifting the medium from cinematic shorts to the central pillar of television programming. Beginning his career in the early sound era of motion pictures, he transformed character-driven storytelling into a commercial powerhouse that captivated global audiences for decades while fundamentally altering the production standards of the animation industry.
Early Career and Technical Foundation
Born in 1910 in Melrose, New Mexico, Hanna gained his initial professional experience within the burgeoning animation field of the 1930s. After brief stints in construction and as a car wash employee during the Great Depression, he entered the studio system in 1930. Working for Harman-Ising Productions until 1937, he developed essential skills in the ink and paint department. When he transitioned to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1937, he quickly identified a productive professional chemistry with colleague Joseph Barbera.
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Take the IQ test →The Creation of Tom and Jerry
The collaborative relationship between Hanna and Barbera reached a critical milestone in 1940 with the production of Puss Gets the Boot. Despite initial resistance from studio management regarding a cat-and-mouse concept, the pair successfully pursued the project. This endeavor established a foundation for their signature style, characterized by intense physical conflict and rhythmic action sequences. Throughout his tenure at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which lasted until 1957, Hanna served as a director, animator, and screenwriter, frequently providing the vocal effects for his title characters.
The Hanna-Barbera Enterprise
In 1957, Hanna and Barbera co-founded their own production company, Hanna-Barbera. The studio became synonymous with television animation, producing iconic series such as The Flintstones, The Huckleberry Hound Show, The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo, The Smurfs, and Yogi Bear. In 1967, the studio was sold to Taft Broadcasting for 12 million dollars, though the founders maintained their leadership roles until 1991. The business was later acquired by Turner Broadcasting System and subsequently merged into Time Warner in 1996, at which point Hanna transitioned into an advisory capacity.
Personal Interests and Recognition
Beyond his professional accomplishments in animation, Hanna remained dedicated to Scouting America throughout his adult life, eventually earning the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. His background in music, fostered by playing saxophone in his youth, informed his contribution to theme songs for his cartoon productions. He passed away in 2001 in North Hollywood and was buried in Lake Forest, leaving behind a legacy marked by numerous accolades, including eight Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Fast facts
- Born: 1910, Melrose
- Died: 2001, North Hollywood
- Major Employer: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (1937-1957)
- Notable Partner: Joseph Barbera
- Awards: Winsor McCay Award (1977)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star: 1976
- Educational background: Compton College, Compton High School, University of California, Los Angeles
- Notable accolade: Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
Questions readers ask
What was the first major character set created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera?
Their first major success was the cat-and-mouse duo, Tom and Jerry.
Which major television shows were produced by the Hanna-Barbera studio?
The studio produced The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Huckleberry Hound Show, Scooby-Doo, The Smurfs, and Yogi Bear.
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