Jim Davis

Date of Birth: July 28, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

James Robert “Jim” Davis is an American cartoonist best known for creating the internationally successful comic strip “Garfield.” Born on July 28, 1945, in Marion, Indiana, Davis grew up on a small Black Angus cow farm with his parents, James William “Jim” Davis and Anna Catherine “Betty” Davis, and his brother, Dave. Growing up with asthma, Davis spent much of his time indoors, fostering a love for drawing and cartoons. Davis attended Ball State University, where he studied business and art. After graduating, he began his career working as an assistant to Tom Ryan, creator of the comic strip “Tumbleweeds.” In 1978, Davis launched “Garfield,” which quickly became a massive hit and has since grown into one of the most widely syndicated comic strips in history, appearing in over 2,500 newspapers worldwide. Beyond “Garfield,” Davis has created other comic strips, including “U.S. Acres,” and has written several “Garfield” television specials and movies. His work has earned him numerous awards, including four Emmy Awards for “Garfield” television specials.

5 Interesting Facts about Jim Davis

1. Jim Davis initially created a comic strip called “Gnorm Gnat,” which was rejected by publishers because they felt no one could relate to a bug.

2. “Garfield” was named after Davis’s grandfather, James Garfield Davis.

3. In addition to “Garfield,” Davis created another comic strip called “U.S. Acres,” which ran from 1986 to 1989.

4. Davis has won four Emmy Awards for “Garfield” television specials.

5. Jim Davis founded Paws, Inc. in 1981, a company dedicated to overseeing the licensing and creative development of “Garfield.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jim Davis

1. “The real fun of writing cartoons is not the jokes but the character development.”

2. “Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.”

3. “Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.”

4. “When in doubt, look intelligent.”

5. “If you are patient…and wait long enough…Nothing will happen!”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jim Davis achieved an estimated net worth of $800 million.

Children

Jim Davis has three children from his first marriage to Carolyn Altekruse: James Alexander Davis, Ashley Davis, and Christopher Davis. He later married Jill Davis in 2000.