David Steven Cohen Obituary, Death: David Steven Cohen, a distinguished American animator, writer, and composer, passed away in 2025. Renowned for his pivotal role as the head writer of the animated series Courage the Cowardly Dog, Cohen’s career spanned several decades, during which he significantly influenced children’s television.
Born in 1967 in Brooklyn, New York, David Steven Cohen demonstrated an early affinity for storytelling and the arts. He embarked on his professional journey in the 1980s and 1990s, contributing to various television projects. Notably, Cohen served as a writer and executive producer for the first season of The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, co-writing lyrics for its theme song. This work earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations for Best Children’s Program and a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Children’s Script for “The Song of the Zubble-Wump,” which he shared with Sesame Street .
Cohen’s most celebrated achievement was his tenure as the head writer for Courage the Cowardly Dog, a series that garnered a cult following for its unique blend of humor and horror. His involvement in the show included writing episodes such as “Hothead,” “Freaky Fred,” and “Night of the Weremole”
Beyond Courage, Cohen’s writing portfolio encompassed episodes for several other children’s programs, including Pee-wee’s Playhouse, ALF (and its animated spin-offs), Living Single, George Burns Comedy Week, Phil of the Future, Tiny Toon Adventures, and Arthur. In addition to his television work, Cohen co-wrote the screenplay for the animated feature Balto and served as a consulting producer on Strangers with Candy . His versatility also extended to composing and lyric writing, with contributions to various musical projects.
David Steven Cohen’s contributions to children’s media have left an indelible mark on the industry. His work, characterized by its creativity and depth, continues to resonate with audiences and influences creators. As fans and colleagues mourn his passing, they celebrate a legacy that enriched the world of animation and storytelling.
