Gene Moss, co-writer
of the classic '60s cartoon ROGER RAMJET, has died at age 75. REUTERS
reports that Moss died of cancer on July 15, 2002 at the Eisenhower
Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. After a career in
journalism and as an advertising copywriter, Moss and his partner Jim
Thurman teamed to co-write all 156 episodes of ROGER RAMJET, the
short-lived 1965 series that featured Gary Owens as the voice of the
titular hero who, with the American Eagle Squadron, battled Noodles
Romanoff and the evil organization, N.A.S.T.Y. (the National
Association of Spies, Traitors and Yahoos). In addition to his
writing duties, Moss provided the voices Noodles Romanoff and Doodle.
However, the voice Moss is probably best known for is that of Smokey
the Bear, which he performed in radio and television ads for ten
years, beginning in 1979. Moss is survived by his wife of 30 years,
Carolyn his three children and six grandchildren. A memorial service
will be held July 27, 2002 at 6:00 pm, at the Sportsman's Lodge,
12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.