Thomas Yohe

Thomas George Yohe (1937–2000) was an American animator, known primarily as a co-creator of the educational animated television series Schoolhouse Rock!.^[1]

Biography

Yohe was born in Queens, New York, and graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in fine arts.^[2] His career began as an art director at Young & Rubicam in 1961, and in 1964 he moved to McCaffrey & McCall.^[2] In 1984, Yohe joined Grey Global Group, where he worked until November 2000.^[2]

Yohe co-created Schoolhouse Rock!, an animated educational series developed to support ABC's children's programming efforts.^[2][3] The series debuted in 1973 with "Three Is a Magic Number," which featured Yohe's animation.^[2] The show gained widespread popularity and received an Emmy Award.^[2][4] Schoolhouse Rock! consisted of around 40 segments aired between 1973 and 1985, each approximately three minutes long, teaching grammar, mathematics, science, and American history.^[2] Notable segments included "Conjunction Junction," "Three Is a Magic Number," and "I'm Just a Bill." In the 1990s, Schoolhouse Rock experienced renewed interest among college audiences.^[2] Theaterbam Chicago created a live theatrical version titled Schoolhouse Rock Live!, which toured educational institutions and theaters. A follow-up production, Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!, was also staged.^[2][5]