Mell Lazarus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mell Lazarus |
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Lazarus in 1973
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| Born | Melvin Lazarus May 3, 1927 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 24, 2016 (aged 89) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Area(s) | Cartoonist, Novelist |
| Pseudonym(s) | Fulton |
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Notable works
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Miss Peach Momma |
| Awards | Reuben Award (1981) Inkpot Award (1976) |
| Spouse(s) | Sally Mitchell |
| Children | Margie, Suesan, Cathie |
Melvin Lazarus (born May 3, 1927 – died May 24, 2016) was a famous American cartoonist. He is best known for creating two popular comic strips: Miss Peach (which ran from 1957 to 2002) and Momma (from 1970 to 2016). He also wrote two novels. For one of his comic strips, Pauline McPeril, he used the pen name Fulton.
Contents
Life and Career
Lazarus was born in Brooklyn, New York. He started drawing cartoons at a young age. He published his first cartoon when he was just 16 years old. Later, he joined the U.S. Navy.
When he was in his twenties, Lazarus worked for famous cartoonists Al Capp and his brother Elliott Caplin. In the mid-1950s, he created two comic strips for children called Wee Women and Li'l Ones.
Creating Miss Peach
Lazarus's popular comic strip Miss Peach first appeared on February 4, 1957. It was published in the New York Herald Tribune. This comic strip became very successful and ran for almost 50 years.
Creating Momma
His other well-known comic strip, Momma, started on October 26, 1970. Lazarus based the main character, Momma, on his own mother. However, his mother thought the character was based on his aunt! She even said, "You caught Aunt Helen to a tee!"
Leadership in Cartooning
Lazarus was the President of the National Cartoonists Society. He held this important position for two terms, from 1989 to 1993.
His Books
Mell Lazarus also wrote two novels. His first novel, The Boss Is Crazy, Too (published in 1963), was inspired by his own experiences working at a publishing company.
His second novel, The Neighborhood Watch (published in 1986), is about a writer who starts stealing from his wealthy neighbors. This book was even considered for a movie!
Awards and Recognition
Lazarus received many awards for his work as a cartoonist.
- He won the National Cartoonists Society's award for Newspaper Strip, Humor, twice for Miss Peach (in 1973 and 1979).
- In 1981, he won the prestigious Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, also for Miss Peach.
- He also received the Silver T-Square Award in 2000.
- On January 23, 2016, Lazarus was honored with the National Cartoonists Society Medal of Honor.
Personal Life
Mell Lazarus was married twice and had three daughters: Margie, Suesan, and Cathie. He also had six grandchildren and one great-grandson. He lived in Los Angeles from the 1970s until he passed away on May 24, 2016. He died from health issues related to Alzheimer's.
See also
In Spanish: Mell Lazarus para niños
