David Steven Cohen, the celebrated writer behind Courage the Cowardly Dog and a key figure in children’s television, has passed away at the age of 58. The news of his passing was shared on Facebook by animation historian Jerry Beck, revealing that Cohen had been battling cancer.

A Storied Career in Television

Cohen’s journey in the television industry began in the mid-1980s, where he initially worked on live-action sitcoms. His early writing credits include Mr. President, ALF, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, and Living Single. He also penned The Wickedest Witch, a live-action/puppet movie starring Rue McClanahan.

His transition into animation began with ALF Tales in 1988, where he collaborated with Roger S.H. Schulman (Shrek). This marked the start of an illustrious career in animation, leading him to write for Tiny Toon Adventures, the holiday special A Cool Like That Christmas, and the animated feature film Balto (1995), featuring the voice of Kevin Bacon.

The Courageous Legacy

Perhaps Cohen’s most well-known work came at the turn of the millennium when he joined Courage the Cowardly Dog, the darkly comedic and surreal Cartoon Network series that ran from 1999 to 2002.

Starting as a writer before being promoted to staff writer and eventually head writer, Cohen played a crucial role in shaping the show’s unique tone and storytelling.

A Legacy Beyond Courage

After Courage the Cowardly Dog, Cohen continued his work in children’s television, contributing to a variety of animated and preschool series. His writing credits include Kenny the Shark, Viva Piñata, Arthur, Peg+Cat, Little People, Space Racers, and Treasure Trekkers.

His impact on the industry was widely recognized. He received two Primetime Emmy nominations for his work on The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss and won a Daytime Emmy Award for Peg+Cat in the Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program category. Additionally, in 1998, Cohen won the Writers Guild of America (WGA) Award for his episode The Song of the Zubble-Wump from the Seuss-inspired series. Later, he received another WGA nomination for Phil of the Future and was honored with the Richard B. Jablow Award in 2010 for his service to the Guild.

A Loss to Animation and Television

Cohen’s passing marks the loss of a writer whose contributions shaped the childhoods of many. His work on Courage the Cowardly Dog left an indelible mark on fans who grew up with the show’s mix of eerie storytelling, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable characters.

His impact on children’s animation and television at large cannot be overstated. Whether through his darkly humorous take on horror with Courage or his ability to craft engaging and educational content for younger audiences, Cohen’s legacy will continue to resonate.

David Steven Cohen’s stories, humor, and creativity will live on through the countless shows he worked on, reminding us that even in the face of fear—just like Courage—we must push forward.