Harvey Pekar

Date of Birth: October 8, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: July 12, 2010

Biography

Harvey Pekar was an American underground comic book writer best known for his autobiographical series “American Splendor.” Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Pekar spent most of his life in his hometown, working as a file clerk at a Veterans Administration hospital while writing comic books that depicted the mundane yet profound aspects of everyday life. His work was revolutionary in that it focused on the ordinary, exploring the complexities and struggles of an average person, which resonated with many readers. Pekar collaborated with various artists, including Robert Crumb, who helped illustrate his stories. He gained wider recognition following the release of the film adaptation of “American Splendor” in 2003, which won several awards and brought his work to a broader audience.

5 Interesting Facts about Harvey Pekar

1. Harvey Pekar’s work “American Splendor” won the American Book Award in 1987.

2. He was a frequent guest on David Letterman’s late-night show during the 1980s.

3. Pekar’s comic book series, “American Splendor,” was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2003, starring Paul Giamatti as Pekar.

4. He was also a jazz critic and published a number of essays on the subject.

5. Despite his success as a writer, Pekar continued to work as a file clerk at the Veterans Administration hospital until his retirement.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harvey Pekar

1. “Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff.”

2. “You can find a lot of joy and a lot of beauty in a lot of simple things. There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the simple things.”

3. “I wanted to write comic books that could appeal to adults.”

4. “I think of myself as a creative person, but I’m not a fast worker.”

5. “I try to make my stuff real, but I’m not always successful.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Harvey Pekar’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the peak of his career, largely attributed to the success of the “American Splendor” film.