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Josie DeCarlo Dead: 'Josie & the Pussycats' Inspiration Dies
- Posted on Mar 16th 2012 11:40AM by Jason MacNeil
Josie DeCarlo, the inspiration behind Josie McCoy of the 1970s rock band cartoon series 'Josie and the Pussycats,' is dead. Although her age is unknown, DeCarlo died in her sleep earlier this week, according to comic historian Mark Evanier (via by Big Cartoon News).
Born Josie Dumont, the wife of comic book illustrator Dan DeCarlo became the idea behind the character during a vacation. "We went on a Caribbean cruise, and I had a costume for the cruise, that's the way it started," she told the New York Times following her husband's death in 2001. "The hairdo came after. One day, I came in with a new hairdo with a little bow in my hair and he said, 'That's it!'"
Originally set to be featured in the comic strip 'Here's Josie,' DeCarlo received no syndication offers. In 1963, Richard Goldwater, president and publisher of Archie Comics, accepted the strip, later asking DeCarlo to add "a theme element" to the comic book. That led to the rock group -- using the popularity of the band the Archies at the time -- styled in the same manner as his wife dressed on their Caribbean cruise.
'Josie and the Pussycats' debuted in 1970 and ran 16 episodes before a spin-off series 'Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space' started in 1972 for an additional 16 episodes. In conjunction with the series, a self-titled studio album was released in 1970 featuring three singers including Cherie Moor, who would later be better known as Cheryl Ladd. The album was digitally remastered and reissued in 2001 as 'Josie and the Pussycats: Stop Look and Listen: The Capitol Recordings.'
In 2001, a film entitled 'Josie and the Pussycats' was released starring Tara Reid, Rosario Dawson and Rachael Leigh Cook. According to Comic Book Resources, the film caused a public falling out in 2000 between Archie and Dan DeCarlo regarding the rights to the Josie character.
Funeral services are reportedly being set for Monday in Scarsdale, New York.
Watch Josie & the Pussycats 'Theme Song' Video
Born Josie Dumont, the wife of comic book illustrator Dan DeCarlo became the idea behind the character during a vacation. "We went on a Caribbean cruise, and I had a costume for the cruise, that's the way it started," she told the New York Times following her husband's death in 2001. "The hairdo came after. One day, I came in with a new hairdo with a little bow in my hair and he said, 'That's it!'"
Originally set to be featured in the comic strip 'Here's Josie,' DeCarlo received no syndication offers. In 1963, Richard Goldwater, president and publisher of Archie Comics, accepted the strip, later asking DeCarlo to add "a theme element" to the comic book. That led to the rock group -- using the popularity of the band the Archies at the time -- styled in the same manner as his wife dressed on their Caribbean cruise.
'Josie and the Pussycats' debuted in 1970 and ran 16 episodes before a spin-off series 'Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space' started in 1972 for an additional 16 episodes. In conjunction with the series, a self-titled studio album was released in 1970 featuring three singers including Cherie Moor, who would later be better known as Cheryl Ladd. The album was digitally remastered and reissued in 2001 as 'Josie and the Pussycats: Stop Look and Listen: The Capitol Recordings.'
In 2001, a film entitled 'Josie and the Pussycats' was released starring Tara Reid, Rosario Dawson and Rachael Leigh Cook. According to Comic Book Resources, the film caused a public falling out in 2000 between Archie and Dan DeCarlo regarding the rights to the Josie character.
Funeral services are reportedly being set for Monday in Scarsdale, New York.
Watch Josie & the Pussycats 'Theme Song' Video
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Around The Web:
Josie DeCarlo, R.I.P. - News From ME
R.I.P. "Josie & The Pussycats" Inspiration Josie DeCarlo - Comic ...
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Dan DeCarlo was an amazing artist, and the best thing he did was marry his wife, Josie Dumont. She became an inspiration for one of his greatest characters, but she was also a driving force behind his fabulous talent and artwork. Two of their children followed in dad's footsteps. I'm just sorry that the Archie comics company and DeCarlos parted on such sad notes. Mr. DeCarlo is probably ecstatic now, though, knowing his wife is with him again in heaven. Rest well, beautiful lady. May Dan draw you as Josie forever in our hearts ...
July 06 2012 at 9:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRIP Josie:
Great shows and thanks for creating fond memories that will last forever! These were when cartoons were good and not the crap that kids have to deal with for cartoons today.
Thanks for the memories and Rest In Peace...
Loved this series and music when I was a kid! RIP Josie
March 17 2012 at 8:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThis really takes me back!
March 16 2012 at 9:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyForever Josie... I admit, I'm a fan of the comic book and cartoon. The crossover with the Scooby-Doo Movies was classic.
March 16 2012 at 3:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyit was not a crossover they were just guest starring
a crossover imply s a permenent thing
Daniel, you do not know WHAT THE HELL you are talking about. Please shut up, you misinformed pedant.
March 16 2012 at 10:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate downRest in peace Josie! What a great pop group! I loved to watch these when I was a kid.
March 16 2012 at 12:57 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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