Walt Kelly

Date of Birth: August 25, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 18, 1973

Biography

Walter Crawford Kelly, Jr., better known as Walt Kelly, was an American animator and cartoonist, famous for creating the comic strip “Pogo.” Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kelly’s career began in the world of animation, where he worked for Walt Disney Studios on films such as “Dumbo,” “Fantasia,” and “Pinocchio.” However, it was his creation of “Pogo,” a satirical comic strip featuring anthropomorphic animals, that brought him widespread acclaim. “Pogo” debuted in 1948 and quickly became known for its clever political and social commentary. Kelly’s work was celebrated for its wit, artistic skill, and the way it addressed complex issues through humor and satire. He was a prominent figure in the world of comics until his death in 1973.

5 Interesting Facts about Walt Kelly

1. Walt Kelly began his career working as a storyboard artist for Walt Disney Studios, contributing to iconic films like “Dumbo” and “Pinocchio.”

2. “Pogo” was originally a minor character in a comic book before becoming the star of Kelly’s own newspaper comic strip.

3. Kelly was known for his incisive political satire, often using “Pogo” to comment on contemporary issues and figures, including the McCarthy era.

4. He was awarded the Reuben Award in 1951 by the National Cartoonists Society for his work on “Pogo.”

5. Kelly’s famous phrase “We have met the enemy and he is us” from “Pogo” has become a widely recognized commentary on human nature and environmental issues.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walt Kelly

1. “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

2. “Don’t take life too serious; it ain’t nohow permanent.”

3. “Thar’s only two possibilitees: either the laws of the universe have been suspended, or they have not.”

4. “Pogo is the only comic strip in the United States that has a philosophy.”

5. “There is no need to sally forth, for it remains true that those things which make us human are, curiously enough, always close at hand. Resolve then, that on this very ground, with small flags waving and tinny blasts on tiny trumpets, we shall meet the enemy, and not only may he be ours, he may be us.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Walt Kelly’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, adjusted for inflation.

Children

Walt Kelly had three children: Carolyn Kelly, Peter Kelly, and Kathleen Kelly. Carolyn Kelly followed in her father’s footsteps and became a notable figure in the world of cartooning, working to preserve and continue the legacy of “Pogo.”