Frederick Bean "Tex" Avery (February 26, 1908 – August 26, 1980) was an American animator and director, known for producing and directing animated cartoons during the golden age of American animation. His most significant work was for the Warner Bros. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, where he was crucial in the creation and evolution of famous animated characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Droopy, Screwy Squirrel, George and Junior, and Chilly Willy.
 
Avery's influence can be seen in modern cartoons such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Animaniacs, and SpongeBob SquarePants.[18] An Avery-esque cowboy character bore his name in the otherwise unrelated series The Wacky World of Tex Avery. Avery's work has been featured on shows such as The Tex Avery Show and Cartoon Alley.[citation needed]
 
Many references related to Tex Avery appeared in various animated TV Series or in animated films. One of the most notable references appeared in Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes character in the basketball-themed film Space Jam. In this film, Lola Bunny demonstrates her basketball skills and then the film makes use of the "Tex Avery-style" gag concerning the libido of males: Bugs Bunny, who was smitten by her, floats up into the air and then crashes back down onto the floor. The scene is reminiscent of "Wolfie" from Red Hot Riding Hood (1943), a character defined by his lust for females. This effect serves to reduce Bugs and his fellow characters to stereotypical "guys".