‘Courage the Cowardly Dog’ head writer David Steven Cohen dies at 58

David Steven Cohen, the head writer of Courage the Cowardly Dog, has passed away at the age of 58, according to reports from animation historian Jerry Beck.

Beck shared on Facebook that Cohen’s cause of death was cancer.

Cohen played a pivotal role in shaping the eerie and surreal storytelling that made Courage the Cowardly Dog a beloved yet unsettling children’s animated series on Cartoon Network. While John R. Dilworth created the show, Cohen joined the writing team in season 1 and later became head writer, penning many of the most memorable episodes in seasons 2, 3, and 4. His final contribution was the penultimate episode before the series concluded in 2002.

Some of Cohen’s most iconic episodes include "Klub Katz," "1000 Years of Courage," "Forbidden Hat of Gold," and "The Sand Whale Strikes." His work contributed to the show's signature blend of horror, dark comedy, and heartfelt storytelling, demonstrating that kids enjoy fear-driven narratives.

Beyond Courage, Cohen also wrote for Balto, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, and Phil of the Future, showcasing his versatility in animation and children’s television.

Fans and industry professionals are mourning his passing, remembering his profound impact on animation.

Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.