Key Takeaways
- Jerry Eisenberg, 87, was a legendary animator who co-created The Peter Potamus Show and designed characters for classics like Wacky Races and Super Friends at Hanna-Barbera.
- His 60+ year career spanned major studios, including MGM, Warner Bros., Ruby-Spears, Marvel, and Disney, where he worked on shows from Muppet Babies to Johnny Bravo.
- Known for his speed and kindness, he inspired generations of animators and helped define the look of Saturday morning cartoons.
The animation industry has lost one of its most cherished figures, as Jerry Eisenberg, the celebrated animator, storyboard artist, and character designer, passed away at the age of 87.
Eisenberg had been battling health issues for some time, and the official cause of demise has been confirmed as pneumonia.
Rest in peace legend Jerry Eisenberg, one of the legendary designers of Hanna Barbera 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9lftOqfxVE
— JohnDex (@DexLabfan) February 13, 2025
His passing has sent ripples through the animation community, where he was deeply admired and respected.
An Animated Legacy
Born on December 14, 1937, Jerry Eisenberg was the son of Harvey Eisenberg, a renowned comic book artist and animator best known for his work on Tom and Jerry at MGM.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jerry Eisenberg carved out his own place in animation history, beginning his career at the MGM cartoon studio in 1956.
After the studio’s closure, he honed his craft working under Ken Harris at Warner Bros. Cartoons before finding his true home at Hanna-Barbera Productions in 1961.
At Hanna-Barbera, Eisenberg played a key role in designing some of the studio’s most beloved characters and shows.
His contributions included co-creating The Peter Potamus Show and designing characters for Wacky Races, Jabberjaw, and Super Friends.
His unmistakable artistic touch helped define the look and feel of classic television animation for generations.
Shaping Saturday Morning Cartoons
Eisenberg’s influence extended beyond Hanna-Barbera. In 1977, when former Hanna-Barbera executives Joe Ruby and Ken Spears launched Ruby-Spears Productions, Eisenberg joined them as a producer and character designer.
During his tenure, he worked on hit shows such as Fangface, The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show, and Thundarr the Barbarian—each of which became a staple of Saturday morning cartoons.
His career spanned decades, with later contributions to animation powerhouses such as Marvel Productions, Disney, and Warner Bros. Animation.
He worked on Muppet Babies, House of Mouse, Dilbert, Johnny Bravo, Tom & Jerry Kids, and numerous Scooby-Doo direct-to-video movies, proving his adaptability and enduring talent in an ever-evolving industry.
Remembering A True Artist And Mentor
Those who knew Jerry Eisenberg remember his immense artistic talent, warmth, humor, and generosity.
He was regarded as one of the fastest artists in the business and one of the kindest individuals in the industry.
Colleagues and admirers have been sharing tributes, recalling his immense contributions and the joy he brought to the animation world.
Eisenberg is survived by his wife, Raymonde, who cared for him through his final years. His legacy lives on in the countless beloved characters he brought to life and in the hearts of those he inspired.
Jerry Eisenberg’s work shaped their childhood, influenced aspiring artists, and solidified his place in animation history.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on the world of cartoons will never be forgotten.
