Roger Ramjet Co-Writer Gene Moss Dies At 75
Gene Moss, co-writerof the classic '60s cartoon ROGER RAMJET, has died at age 75. REUTERSreports that Moss died of cancer on July 15, 2002 at the EisenhowerMedical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. After a career injournalism and as an advertising copywriter, Moss and his partner JimThurman teamed to co-write all 156 episodes of ROGER RAMJET, theshort-lived 1965 series that featured Gary Owens as the voice of thetitular hero who, with the American Eagle Squadron, battled NoodlesRomanoff and the evil organization, N.A.S.T.Y. (the NationalAssociation of Spies, Traitors and Yahoos). In addition to hiswriting duties, Moss provided the voices Noodles Romanoff and Doodle.However, the voice Moss is probably best known for is that of Smokeythe Bear, which he performed in radio and television ads for tenyears, beginning in 1979. Moss is survived by his wife of 30 years,Carolyn his three children and six grandchildren. A memorial servicewill be held July 27, 2002 at 6:00 pm, at the Sportsman's Lodge,12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.