E. C. Segar
- Born:
- Elzie Crisler Segar; December 8, 1894; Chester, Illinois, USA
- Died:
- October 13, 1938; Santa Monica, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Cartoonist
Early Life and Education
- Segar showed an early interest in drawing and entertainment.
- He took a correspondence course in cartooning.
- He worked as a projectionist and drummer in his youth.
Career and Major Achievements
- Segar began his cartooning career with the Chicago Herald in 1916.
- He created Thimble Theatre in 1919 for the New York Journal.
- The character Popeye first appeared in Thimble Theatre on January 17, 1929. This marked the beginning of the popularity of the Thimble Theatre strips and eventually led to what would become the biography of Popeyes central character, Popeye himself.
- Thimble Theatre, under Segar's authorship, became one of the most popular comic strips in the world.
Notable Works
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thimble Theatre | Comic Strip | Featured characters such as Olive Oyl, Ham Gravy (later renamed Castor Oyl), and eventually Popeye. |
Legacy and Impact
E. C. Segar's creation, Popeye, became a cultural icon. Popeye promoted spinach consumption, represented a symbol of strength, and entertained generations through comic strips, animated cartoons, and other media.