Al Hirschfeld

Date of Birth: June 21, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 20, 2003

Biography

Al Hirschfeld was an American caricaturist best known for his black and white portraits of celebrities and Broadway stars. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hirschfeld moved to New York City, where he began his career as a cartoonist. Over seven decades, his work appeared in numerous publications, most notably The New York Times, where his drawings became a staple. Hirschfeld’s unique style—characterized by his fluid lines and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with minimal strokes—earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career. Hirschfeld’s work was not just confined to newspapers; he also illustrated books and designed film posters and theater programs. His legacy includes a vast body of work that continues to be celebrated for its artistic brilliance and cultural impact. In addition to his caricatures, he is famous for hiding his daughter Nina’s name in most of his drawings, a practice that became a delightful game for his fans.

5 Interesting Facts about Al Hirschfeld

1. Al Hirschfeld’s career spanned more than 75 years, making him one of the most enduring caricaturists in American history.

2. He won the National Cartoonists Society’s Advertising and Illustration Award in 1961.

3. Hirschfeld’s work is so iconic that a Broadway theater was named the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in his honor in 2003.

4. He was awarded a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 1991.

5. Hirschfeld’s drawings often included the hidden name “NINA,” a tribute to his daughter, which became a beloved Easter egg for fans.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Al Hirschfeld

1. “Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.”

2. “Life isn’t a science. We make it up as we go.”

3. “I believe in doing the thing you feel is right. If it looks right, it is right.”

4. “You can’t do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh.”

5. “I am a man of many emotions, and my drawings are the expressions of these emotions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Al Hirschfeld was estimated to be around $5 million at the time of his death.

Children

Al Hirschfeld had one daughter, Nina Hirschfeld, born in 1945. She became a recurring element in his work, as he famously hid her name in his caricatures, a practice that delighted his audience.