Ben Hardaway facts for kids

Joseph Benson Hardaway (born May 21, 1895 – died February 5, 1957) was a very talented American artist. He worked as a storyboard artist, animator, voice actor, and director for many famous cartoon studios. You might know him better as J. B. Hardaway or Ben Hardaway. He helped create some of the most beloved cartoon characters during the "Golden Age" of animation in Hollywood.

Hardaway's Animation Journey

Hardaway began his cartoon journey at a place called Kansas City Film Ad Service. He then worked for big names like the Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Ub Iwerks Studio. Later, he joined the Leon Schlesinger studio. Here, he was a "gagman," which means he helped come up with funny ideas for cartoons.

He even directed seven short cartoons featuring a character named Buddy. After directing, he went back to being a gagman and "storyman." Storymen write the plots for cartoons. In 1937, these writers started getting credit for their work. Some of the cartoons he helped write include Daffy Duck & Egghead and The Penguin Parade.

Creating Famous Characters

While at the Schlesinger/Warner Bros. studio in the late 1930s, Hardaway was a storyman. He also co-directed several Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts. This happened when Friz Freleng, another famous director, left for a short time. Leon Schlesinger needed someone to take Freleng's place. Hardaway's past experience made him a great choice.

In 1938, Hardaway co-directed Porky's Hare Hunt. This was the first cartoon to feature a rabbit character. This early rabbit didn't have a name yet. Later, a designer named Charlie Thorson drew a new model for the rabbit. He accidentally gave it a name by writing "Bugs' Bunny" on the drawing. This was because the drawing was for Hardaway's animation unit. Even before the rabbit looked like the Bugs Bunny we know today, the name was already being used.

When Freleng returned to Warner Bros. in 1939, Hardaway went back to being a storyman. Another animator, Tex Avery, later created his own version of the rabbit. This version became the famous Bugs Bunny.

In 1940, Hardaway joined Walter Lantz Productions. Here, he helped Walter Lantz create the studio's most famous character, Woody Woodpecker. Hardaway wrote most of the stories for the Woody Woodpecker cartoons from 1940 to 1951. He also provided Woody's voice between 1944 and 1949. He passed away in 1957.

Fun Facts

• Hardaway also wrote for The Adventures of Pow Wow cartoon series. This show was part of the Captain Kangaroo TV show.
• He became the voice of Woody Woodpecker after Kent Rogers. Rogers was sadly killed in a plane crash during World War II in 1944.

Hardaway's Family

His son, Bob Hardaway, was a talented saxophonist. He played in Woody Herman's band. Bob also played woodwinds on many hit songs from the 1950s to the 1990s. He worked with many different musicians.

His granddaughter, Jennifer Hardaway, is also very creative. She is an entrepreneur and owns a lifestyle brand called Phoebe Peacock. Jennifer is also a skilled singer. She was part of several bands in the 1990s.

See also

In Spanish: Ben Hardaway para niños