PASSINGS: Carl Macek

Carl Macek, 58, who developed the influential anime series “ Robotech,” died of a heart attack April 17 in Topanga Canyon, said his wife, Svea.

Macek was a producer and creative director for Harmony Gold U.S.A. when he developed “Robotech,” which blended three Japanese anime series into an 85-episode, syndicated show for American audiences.

“He thought it was a beautiful art form and should be made accessible to everyone,” his wife said.

Macek was born Sept. 21, 1951, in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in the theory and criticism of visual media, his wife said.

He also was founder of Streamline Pictures and wrote the 1981 book “The Art of Heavy Metal: Animation for the Eighties.”

“He wasn’t the first guy to import animation but the first guy to show it respect,” said Jerry Beck, an animation historian who was a partner with Macek at Streamline Pictures.

Beck said Macek “created a whole new storyline” for “Robotech.”

“He loved this material and worked to popularize it,” Beck said.

Times staff and wire reports

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