Craig McCracken

Emmy winning animator, director and producer Craig McCracken was an instrumental figure in the rise of Cartoon Network as a dominant force in television animation thanks to his clever, alternative-minded programs like "The Powerpuff Girls" (1998-2005) and "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends" (Cartoon Network/Kids' WB/Boomerang 2004-2009). Like fellow animation creators Genndy Tartakovsky ("Dexter's Laboratory," 1996-2003), David Feiss ("Cow and Chicken," 1997-1999) and John R. Dilworth ("Courage the Cowardly Dog," 1999-2002), McCracken's work for Cartoon Network blended classic animation tropes with a heightened sense of self-awareness, resulting in programs that pleased both its intended audience - children - as well as young adult and grown-up viewers. After shepherding "Powerpuff" and "Foster's" for nearly two decades, McCracken left the Cartoon Network in 2009 for Disney Channel, where he debuted a new series "Wander Over Yonder" (2013-16), which reflected his signature style and comic approach. McCracken's efforts represented a high water mark for animated television that other programs strove to emulate.