Mike Matzinger
William Hanna (July 14, 1910 – March 22, 2001) was a pioneering animator and co-creator of some of the most beloved animated series in television history, including The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, and The Smurfs. Long before he achieved fame in Hollywood, Hanna’s life and character were profoundly shaped by his experiences in Scouting.
Hanna grew up in a large family that moved frequently across the western United States due to his father’s work building railroads and water systems. Settling in Watts, California, he discovered the Boy Scouts in 1922 through friends G.D. Atkinson, Jack Ogden, and Bill Tweedy. The outdoor adventures, skills, and moral lessons of Scouting captured his imagination and instilled in him values that would guide his life. Hanna quickly embraced the program, participating in camping trips, learning first aid, and developing leadership skills. In 1924, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, one of just 3,264 Scouts to do so that year.
Hanna credited Scouting with teaching him lessons beyond camping and survival skills. In his autobiography, A Cast of Friends, he wrote that the organization instilled in him principles of personal honor, service to others, and living a sound, constructive life. The friendships and sense of community Hanna built in his troop endured for decades, with annual reunions sustaining the bonds formed in his youth.
The values he gained from Scouting—preparation, creativity, perseverance, and service—carried into his career. After dropping out of college during the Great Depression, Hanna began working in animation, eventually joining MGM and meeting Joseph Barbera. Together, Hanna and Barbera created iconic characters and series that delighted generations. Even as he rose to fame, Hanna remained active in Scouting, serving as a Scoutmaster and volunteer. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, the Boy Scouts of America awarded him the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in 1980, joining the ranks of other notable Eagle Scouts like Neil Armstrong, Steven Spielberg, and President Gerald Ford. He also received the West Los Angeles Council’s Americanism Award in 1991 for his enduring service.
For Hanna, Scouting was more than a childhood pastime—it was a foundation for a life of creativity, friendship, and giving back. The principles he learned as a young Scout influenced his professional collaborations, his devotion to community, and the characters he brought to life, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire both Scouts and fans around the world.