Garry Trudeau

Date of Birth: July 21, 1948

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Garry Trudeau, born Garretson Beekman Trudeau, is an acclaimed American cartoonist best known for creating the iconic comic strip “Doonesbury.” Born on July 21, 1948, in New York City, Trudeau grew up in Saranac Lake, New York. He attended Yale University, where he first created “Doonesbury” while working for the Yale Daily News. The strip quickly garnered attention for its satirical take on politics and society, earning Trudeau a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1975—the first such award for a comic strip. Over the years, “Doonesbury” has become a cultural staple, known for its in-depth character development and commentary on American life. In addition to his work on “Doonesbury,” Trudeau has ventured into television, including writing and producing the political satire series “Tanner ’88.” Garry Trudeau is married to journalist Jane Pauley, and they have three children together.

5 Interesting Facts about Garry Trudeau

1. Garry Trudeau was the first comic strip artist to win a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning.

2. “Doonesbury” was initially titled “Bull Tales” when it appeared in the Yale Daily News.

3. Trudeau’s work on “Doonesbury” has spanned more than 50 years, making it one of the longest-running comic strips in history.

4. He declined the Pulitzer Prize when the committee wanted to present it to him in a special category rather than the regular editorial cartooning category.

5. Trudeau has also received an Academy Award nomination for his work on an animated short film, “A Doonesbury Special.”