Mort Walker

Date of Birth: September 3, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: January 27, 2018

Biography

Addison Morton “Mort” Walker was an acclaimed American comic artist, best known for creating the beloved comic strips “Beetle Bailey” and “Hi and Lois.” Born in El Dorado, Kansas, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Walker showed a keen interest in cartooning from a young age. By age 11, he was already selling his first cartoon, and by 15, he became the chief editorial designer for Hallmark Cards. Walker attended the University of Missouri, where he edited the college humor magazine and honed his cartooning skills. After serving in the Army during World War II, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in cartooning. In 1950, he created “Beetle Bailey,” which would go on to become one of the longest-running comic strips in history. Walker’s work has been celebrated for its humor, wit, and keen observations of military life. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and artistry.

5 Interesting Facts about Mort Walker

1. Mort Walker created “Beetle Bailey” just a few months before the start of the Korean War.

2. He served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II.

3. Walker also co-created the comic strip “Hi and Lois” with Dik Browne in 1954.

4. He was inducted into the National Cartoonists Society Hall of Fame in 2000.

5. In addition to his comic strips, Mort Walker founded the National Cartoon Museum in 1974.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mort Walker

1. “Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of your heart.”

2. “To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.”

3. “Most of the stuff I’ve seen in the Army, I put in ‘Beetle Bailey.’”

4. “Cartooning is a great way to express yourself and make people happy.”

5. “A comic strip is like a soap opera—the characters have to grow and change.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Mort Walker’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million.

Children

Mort Walker had nine children: Gregory, Brian, Morgan, Neal, Roger, Polly, Kevin, and twins, Scott and Chris. His son Greg Walker continues to work on “Beetle Bailey.”