Scooby-Doo is a popular animated character that has been cherished since its debut in 1969. With its engaging personality and captivating mystery-solving adventures, it has won the hearts of fans of all ages. However, many fans may be unaware of some fascinating facts about Scooby-Doo’s history, evolution, and creation. From the inspiration behind its character to the origin of its famous catchphrases, this article explores the top 10 things you might not know about Scooby-Doo
The character was inspired by a real-life dog named “Scooby”
Scooby-Doo’s character was not entirely fictional but was inspired by a real-life Great Dane named “Scooby.” Keith Strickland, the dog’s owner, was a friend of one of the show’s creators. The creators found the dog’s name interesting and decided to incorporate it into the show’s character. The Great Dane was known for his unique behavior and distinct bark, which became a signature feature of Scooby-Doo’s character.
Bob Denver’s character, Maynard G. Krebs, in the popular TV show “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” also served as an inspiration for the creators of the show. The creators wanted a similar character for their show, and thus, Shaggy was introduced. Together, the personalities of Scooby and Shaggy proved to be a hit with audiences, making Scooby-Doo a beloved cultural icon.
Scooby-Doo was not the original name for the character:
Interestingly, “Scooby-Doo” was not the original name of the iconic cartoon character. Initially, the creators named the character “Too Much,” and the show was originally called “Mysteries Five.” However, several name and concept changes took place before the series became the popular animated show we know today. One of the initially proposed names was “Who’s S-S-Scared?” but was eventually discarded.
The name “Scooby-Doo” came about when Fred Silverman, the head of CBS, heard the Frank Sinatra song “Strangers in the Night,” and noticed the “dooby-doo” lyric in the chorus. The character’s name was changed to “Scooby-Doo” based on the song, and it stuck. Today, the name has become synonymous with the character and the show, and it’s challenging to imagine him being called by any other name.
The show was originally meant to be a more serious mystery series:
Interestingly, the creators of Scooby-Doo initially intended for the show to be a more serious mystery series. The original concept featured a group of teenagers traveling in a van and solving crimes and mysteries with a real dog as the main character. However, the producers believed that adding a comedic element would make the show more appealing to audiences.
As a result, the characters of Shaggy and Scooby-Doo were introduced, and the show became more humorous, with Scooby’s funny antics providing a lot of the show’s comedic relief. The change in direction proved to be a hit with audiences, and the show became a Saturday morning cartoon staple. Today, Scooby-Doo is considered one of the most successful animated shows of all time and has spawned numerous spin-offs, movies, and merchandise.
The iconic “Scooby Snacks” were originally supposed to be dog treats:
The famous “Scooby Snacks” are one of the most iconic aspects of the Scooby-Doo franchise. They are often used in the show to motivate or bribe Scooby and Shaggy to help solve mysteries or face their fears. However, the original concept for the treats was quite different. In the show’s early episodes, the snacks were intended to be dog treats that the gang would give to Scooby as a reward for good behavior.
As the show evolved and became more comedic, the snacks took on a more significant role in the show’s plot. They became a running gag, with characters using them to entice Scooby and Shaggy into danger or persuade them to solve a mystery. The popularity of the “Scooby Snacks” led to their incorporation in other media, such as movies, TV shows, and snack foods.
Scooby-Doo has had numerous spin-off series and movies over the years:
Over the years, Scooby-Doo has spawned numerous spin-off series and movies, making it one of the most successful animated franchises of all time. Several TV shows have been created, including “The New Scooby-Doo Movies,” “The Scooby-Doo Show,” “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?,” and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated.” The franchise has also been adapted into both animated and live-action movies, including titles such as “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island,”
“Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase,” and “Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins.” In addition, the popularity of the franchise has led to the creation of various merchandise, including toys, games, and clothing. The longevity of the franchise is a testament to its enduring popularity with fans of all ages, and new iterations of the series continue to be produced, ensuring that Scooby-Doo and his gang of mystery solvers will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
Casey Kasem, the famous radio personality, was the original voice of Shaggy:
Casey Kasem, a renowned radio personality, was the first voice actor to play the role of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo franchise. Kasem started voicing the character in the show’s debut in 1969 and remained the voice of Shaggy for many years. He is known for his unique portrayal of Shaggy’s voice, which was characterized by a blend of nervousness, quirkiness, and humor.
Kasem’s portrayal of Shaggy made the character a fan-favorite, and his performances are still cherished by many Scooby-Doo enthusiasts today. Although Kasem retired from the role in 1995, he reprised the character in several later projects, including the 2002 movie “Scooby-Doo: The Movie.” Casey Kasem passed away in 2014, but his legacy as the original voice of Shaggy lives on in the hearts of Scooby-Doo fans worldwide.
The character’s full name is “Scoobert Doo”:
Scooby-Doo, the beloved character from the Scooby-Doo franchise, has a lesser-known full name: “Scoobert Doo.” This information was revealed in the 2002 live-action movie “Scooby-Doo: The Movie.” While the character is commonly referred to as “Scooby,” the addition of his full name adds a fun twist for fans of the franchise.
Furthermore, the name also pays homage to Frank Sinatra, the legendary musician, who was known as “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” In the movie, a character playfully calls Scooby “Ol’ Scoobert Doobert,” which is a nod to Sinatra’s nickname. Although the character’s full name is not frequently used, it provides an entertaining piece of trivia for fans to enjoy.
Scooby-Doo was originally voiced by Don Messick:
Don Messick was the original voice actor who played the role of Scooby-Doo in the Scooby-Doo franchise. He provided the character’s voice from the show’s premiere in 1969 until his death in 1997. Messick was a renowned voice actor, known for his work in several iconic cartoons, including The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and Yogi Bear. He is also credited with creating the voice of Astro, the dog in The Jetsons.
Messick’s portrayal of Scooby-Doo, with his signature “Ruh-roh!” catchphrase, helped make the character immensely popular among fans. His work on the character established the character’s voice and personality, which has remained popular for over five decades. While other actors have since taken on the role of Scooby-Doo, Messick’s contribution remains an integral part of the character’s legacy.
Scooby-Doo has appeared in comic books and video games:
Scooby-Doo has expanded beyond his original television series and appeared in several other media, including comic books and video games. Various comic book series featuring Scooby-Doo have been published by different companies, such as DC Comics and Archie Comics. DC Comics even created a crossover comic series where the Scooby-Doo gang meets
The Flintstones characters. Furthermore, Scooby-Doo has been featured in a range of video games released for various gaming consoles, including Nintendo and PlayStation. The games come in various genres such as platformers, puzzle games, and racing games. Scooby-Doo’s widespread popularity has enabled him to become a pop culture icon, and his presence is not limited to the original television series alone.
The Mystery Machine was based on a real-life vehicle:
The Mystery Machine, which is the van frequently driven by the Scooby-Doo gang, was inspired by a real-life vehicle. The Volkswagen Type 2, also known as the “Microbus” or “Hippie Van,” was popular during the 1960s and served as the basis for the Mystery Machine’s design. Its blue and green color scheme, accented by orange flowers, has become an iconic part of the show’s identity.
The Mystery Machine has played an integral role in the series, transporting the gang to various locations as they solve mysteries. The van’s association with the show has made it a cultural icon and a popular subject for merchandise, cosplay, and fan art. The real-life inspiration behind the Mystery Machine has helped to secure its place as an essential part of the Scooby-Doo universe.
Conclusion:
Scooby-Doo is an endearing and enduring character who has captured the hearts of fans of all ages. From his humble beginnings as a cartoon character to his ubiquitous presence in films, TV shows, and comics, Scooby-Doo has become a beloved cultural icon. With his signature catchphrases, distinctive appearance, and lovable personality, Scooby-Doo is sure to continue entertaining and enchanting audiences for many more years to come.
So the next time you hear that iconic theme song, remember these top 10 things you might not know about Scooby-Doo and join us in celebrating one of the greatest animated shows of all time.
