Spider-Man and Beavis and Butt-Head animator Doug Crane dies aged 85

Veteran animator Doug Crane, who worked on TV series such as Spider-Man and movie Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, has passed away at the age of 85 after a six decade career.

His wife of 61 years, Maureen, an inker and painter whom he had met at Terrytoons in 1956 on their day there, died just two days earlier.

Crane animated for studios such as Hanna-Barbera and MTV, starting off his career at Terrytoons.

His death was confirmed by daughter Rose-Ellen on Facebook, who revealed that he passed away on December 17 following a short battle with cancer.

“Doug was a wonderful, kind, considerate person, a warm & comfortable friend and an amazing father & grandfather who will be missed more than can be put into words,” she wrote in the post.

Born in New York, Crane joined Terrytoons in 1956 before enlisting in the US army, where he continued to use his drawing skills.

He later opened the Hanna-Barbera East studio in New York City alongside Red Augustson.

“Crane went on in his career to animate films, television series, commercials, theatrical releases, and half hour specials; draw comic strips, comic books and digests,” his daughter’s post continued.

“He received a Clio Award, the National Television Commercials Award, for his animation of The Wall Street Journal commercial. His storyboard work, character creation & design, background design and finished layouts are a few more talents he possessed but some of his favourite work was when he animated the bobbing, rolling, and twisting ship scene in the Raggedy Ann & Andy movie.”

Crane's "ability to walk the streets of New Rochelle and New York City and always bump into someone he knew or worked with was unparalleled but not surprising when you are lucky enough to be able to do what you love, in a city you love, for your entire career," Rose-Ellen wrote.

His later credits include the 1968-70 Spider-Man animated series and Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, as well as Godzilla, Heavy Metal, The Smurfs, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power.

Crane is survived by children Maureen, Erin, Thomas, Colleen, Caitlin, Kevin and Rose-Ellen, and grandchildren.