Hal Mason, 69; Creator of Animated Characters
Hal Mason, the creator of the Pillsbury Dough Boy, Mr. Clean, and other animated characters, is dead at age 69.
Mason, who died Friday of heart trouble, was a 50-year veteran of the entertainment industry, having worked as a producer, director, writer and animator. He worked with cartoon producer Walter Lantz on Woody Woodpecker, Andy Panda and Oswald Rabbit.
In 1982, Mason wrote the “Chipmunks Christmas” television special. Although ailing for the past nine months, Mason was still working on characters, including those used in the Raid insecticide commercials. Other Mason creations include the Frito Bandido and the bear used in the Hamm’s beer commercials.
The native of England lived in Northridge with his wife of 36 years, Dorothy. Mason is also survived by his brother, Arthur, and nieces and nephews.
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