TODAY: Legendary Beatles animator will be in Dayton, Ron Campbell is the artist behind Scooby Doo, Smurfs and The Jetsons

Ron Campbell, the animator behind some of the 1960s’ most popular cartoons, including The Beatles animated series, will appear at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in Dayton today and tomorrow.

Campbell spent 50 years animating the colorful characters of Saturday morning children’s television like The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby Doo and The Smurfs.

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He was also one of the animators of the classic Beatles animated film, Yellow Submarine, a pop culture fixture. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the film, which has been re-released in theaters to celebrate the occasion.

Campbell animated many scenes in the film including the Sea of Time sequence and the action between the Chief Blue Meanie and his sidekick, Max, according to a press release.

The animator began his career in the late 1950s working on cartoon classics like Beetle Bailey, Krazy Kat and Cool McCool. He also wrote and produced for Sesame Street and The Big Blue Marble.

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Some of the other characters from animation history he helped bring to life include Yogi Bear, Rugrats, Heathcliff and Captain Caveman.

Campbell will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings at the downtown gallery, as well as artwork from his career. All works will be available for purchase.

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WANT TO GO: 

What: Ron Campbell, director of the Beatles 1960s cartoon series and animator of the film Yellow Submarine, will appear in Dayton.

Where: Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 12 S. Ludlow St., Dayton

When: Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Admission: Free

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