Michael Monahan, a pioneering figure in the world of animation, made his mark as one of the first gag writers at Leon Schlesinger's cartoon factory to receive screen credit. His initial tenure at Warner Brothers spanned an impressive period from 1938 to 1942, during which he contributed to the creation of numerous iconic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies entries featuring beloved characters such as Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and Bugs Bunny. Among his notable works from this era is the classic cartoon "Tortoise Beats Hare" (1941),a testament to his skill and creativity.
Monahan's time at Warner Brothers was marked by his ability to seamlessly integrate with the eccentric team at "Termite Terrace", where he would often devise practical jokes to alleviate the monotony of their work. According to Michael Maltese, who succeeded Monahan as leading story writer, this included a memorable incident where Monahan set fire to the studio simply for the thrill of it, only to discover that the building refused to burn.
In 1942, Monahan left Warner Brothers to serve as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, but he returned briefly in 1947. However, his second stint was short-lived, and he eventually announced his permanent departure from the studio with the enigmatic phrase "I'm going to the dentist", before embarking on a cross-country journey to secure a new job opportunity.
After leaving Warner Brothers, Monahan went on to pursue a successful career as a writer and director of commercials. He also directed the live-action sequences for the animated feature film "The Phantom Tollbooth" (1970),showcasing his versatility and range as a creative professional.
Throughout his career, Monahan's contributions to the world of animation and entertainment have been significant, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
