Lynda Barry

Date of Birth: January 2, 1956

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Lynda Barry is an acclaimed American cartoonist, author, and educator, best known for her distinctive and influential work in the field of alternative comics. Born on January 2, 1956, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, Barry grew up in a tumultuous environment, which later became a source of inspiration for her deeply personal and often autobiographical comics. Barry’s career took off in the late 1970s when her comic strip “Ernie Pook’s Comeek” was first published in the Chicago Reader. The strip, which ran for several decades, featured a cast of quirky, relatable characters and dealt with themes such as adolescence, family dynamics, and everyday struggles. Her unique voice and raw, expressive art style quickly garnered a dedicated following. In addition to her work as a cartoonist, Barry has authored several graphic novels and illustrated books, including “The Good Times Are Killing Me” and “One! Hundred! Demons!” She has also written novels and children’s books, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller. Barry is a passionate advocate for the power of creativity and has taught courses on creativity and writing across the United States. She currently holds a position as a professor in the Interdisciplinary Creativity program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 2019.

5 Interesting Facts about Lynda Barry

1. Lynda Barry’s comic strip “Ernie Pook’s Comeek” was initially rejected by her college newspaper at Evergreen State College.

2. She was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant,” in 2019 for her contributions to the field of cartooning and education.

3. Barry’s graphic novel “One! Hundred! Demons!” is based on the Japanese art form of “hyakki yako” or “the night parade of one hundred demons.”

4. She has collaborated with fellow cartoonist Matt Groening, creator of “The Simpsons,” who is also a close friend from her college days.

5. Barry is not only a cartoonist but also a musician and has performed with her band, “The Loud Family.”