Origins & Early Life

Elzie Crisler Segar (; December 8, 1894 – October 13, 1938), known by the pen name E. C. Segar, was an American cartoonist. He created Popeye in 1929, introducing the character in his comic strip Thimble Theatre.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Charles M. Schulz said of Segar's work: "I think Popeye was a perfect comic strip, consistent in drawing and humor". Carl Barks described Segar as "the unbridled genius as far as I was concerned". Segar was born on December 8, 1894, and raised in Chester, Illinois, a small town near the Mississippi River. The son of Erma Irene (Crisler) and Amzi Andrews Segar, a handyman, his earliest work experiences included assisting his father in house painting and paper hanging.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Skilled at playing drums, he also provided musical accompaniment to films and vaudeville acts in the local theater, where he was eventually given the job of film projectionist at the Chester Opera House, where he also did live performances. At age 18, he decided to become a cartoonist. He took a correspondence course in cartooning from W. L. Evans of Cleveland, Ohio. He said that after work he "lit up the oil lamps about midnight and worked on the course until 3 a.m." During this time, Segar also...

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• 1894 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1894
• December 8 (12-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 8
• 1938 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1938
• October 13 (10-13) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 13