Derrick Wyatt, Character Designer On ‘Teen Titans,’ ‘Transformers,’ And ‘Scooby Doo,’ Dies At 49
Industry artist Derrick James Wyatt, a fan favorite for his character design work on series like Transformers: Animated, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Teen Titans, and the Ben 10 franchise, has died at age 49. Neither cause nor date of death have been made public at this time.
Over his two decades in the industry, Wyatt picked up credits on numerous series, commonly at Warner Bros. Animation, where he worked extensively. Other credits included Green Lantern: The Animated Series, New Teen Titans, Legion of Super Heroes, and Wacky Races.
Born in Paw Paw, Michigan on August 10, 1972, Wyatt attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey. He started his industry career as an intern at Spumco and later became a storyboard artist at the studio on The Ripping Friends. He also worked on the early Flash animated series ¡Mucha Lucha! at Warner Bros.
Warm tributes have been pouring in on social media from both colleagues and fans who were shocked by his sudden passing. Here’s how people are remembering him:
Adios Maestro Derrick Wyatt. One of the greatest animation designers our medium has been lucky to have. The ultimate fan working in a medium he truly adored. His influence will be felt forever. Adiós, amigo. pic.twitter.com/Joi2KU1E83
— Jorge R. Gutierrez (@mexopolis) December 26, 2021
RIP @DerrickJWyatt A fiercely passionate artist who was also a kind and optimistic person. We worked on S1 of Legion of Superheroes but really bonded over our mutual love of the 60’s Miss Marple “Murder” movies starring Margaret Rutherford. A heartbreaking loss…
— James Tucker (@JTuckerAnimator) December 26, 2021
Words can’t describe what a wonderful, talented, and hilarious person Derrick J. Wyatt was. I met him when he moved to LA to break into animation and he was an instant success! I got to work on many projects and celebrate many holidays with him. My heart is broken. R.I.P. buddy. pic.twitter.com/66VZM8SRYK
— Matt Danner (@MattyDanner) December 26, 2021
Derrick was one of my first coworkers when I started out, he’s supported me for years, with cranky & honest advice, helped when things were bad. I still can’t imagine never seeing silly post-it doodles, or hearing live comic book readings again. Love to all his friends and family https://t.co/GkgXm2iqIU
— Brianne (@potatofarmgirl) December 26, 2021
Shocked & saddened to hear of @DerrickJWyatt's passing. While we never got to work together, whenever we were both @ WB, I always took time to swing by & hang so we could talk nerd shit & I could see his latest masterpieces. RIP to a talented artist & 100% good guy. pic.twitter.com/Ldyp1dgNJj
— Chris Battle (@chrisbattleart) December 26, 2021
…of the project and his craft. His style was so singular, so thoughtful, and so delightful. There was no one else like him. If you love Derrick’s work it’s because HE loved his work. You’re a fan because HE was a fan… (2/actually probably more than 3)
— Matt Youngberg (@theironwrist) December 26, 2021
Derrick was a great friend, and a kind man. He helped me at the beginning of my career and kept helping as the years went by, as I'm sure he helped many many others. Can't believe he is gone. His legacy will live on, inspiring many, I'm sure. He will be gravely missed. .. pic.twitter.com/nfe0BWB2Vu
— Priscilla Tramontano (@Pr1ps) December 26, 2021
One other thing I wanna give credit to Derrick Wyatt for: his designs for TF Animated absolutely gave us some of the most appealing and fun looking toys that the series has ever seen. Brightly colored, interestingly shaped, and every single one of them unmistakably unique. pic.twitter.com/pt0bUv6DIu
— RobotLyra: Christmastime in Hell ಠ×ಠ (@RobotLyra) December 26, 2021
Derrick Wyatt passed away before Christmas eve.
(no news yet of cause)Derrick was Supervising Character Designer of #ScoobyDoo Mystery Incorporated.
I loved working with him, such a kind person & so talented.
(Photo: Derrick is 2nd from LEFT) pic.twitter.com/zCkNyzbkIM— Victor Cook (@Victor_Cook1) December 26, 2021
RIP Derrick J. Wyatt 😔🙏
I'll be forever grateful for how his work revitalized Transformers & the TF Community – a legacy which continues to this day. He was a truly brilliant artist + character designer. I owe a lot to learning from his shows & by imitating his unique style. pic.twitter.com/1FaKQmhZhV
— GreenleafCM (@S2BlueTeam) December 27, 2021
I was so saddened to hear about Derrick Wyatt passing. A truly unique, talented artist and lovely fella. Proper gutted. His work had a profound influence on me and my own art. A hero. All my love to his family, friends and everyone missing him right now.
— Gavin Spence (@GeshGav) December 26, 2021
In times of great sadness, it's things like this that come to the surface that make me not only smile but laugh out loud.
Derrick Wyatt cosplaying as Dr. Bunsen Honeydew from the Muppet Show 😆 https://t.co/FKWPz8tdAA
— Daniel Arseneault "Protoman" (@Protoman) December 26, 2021
the man who did character designs for ben 10, tfa, n other shows from my childhood, died recently
he was a massive influence to me when it came to the way i draw characters, still remember when i would draw tfa bumblebee all over my hw when i was a kid
rip derrick wyatt
— k (finally free) (@k5x5x5x) December 27, 2021
