Joe Camp, who created, wrote, and directed the original Benji trilogy, passed away on March 15 at his Bell Buckle residence. Camp was 84 at the time. Brandon Camp, who wrote and directed the Benji reboot that came out in 2018, said that his father was fighting illness.

Camp lacked Hollywood experience when he raised funds for the first film in the series, which revolves around a dog saving some kids from kidnappers. Benji brought back Higgins, the dog from the sitcom Petticoat Junction, from retirement for the titular role. The film gave rise to a television series named Benji, Zax & the Alien Prince, as well as two sequels For the Love of Benji and Oh! Heavenly Dog.

Camp was also an author; his book titled 'The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd' explored his learnings from working with equines. He is survived by his spouse, Kathleen; sons, Brandon and Joe; and stepchildren, David, Allegra, and Dylan.