Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Jerry Siegel

Role / Field:

Pioneering American comic book writer, co-creator of Superman and Legion of Super-Heroes.

Born:

1914-10-17

Died:

1996-01-28

Century / Era:

1914s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Jerome "Jerry" Siegel ( SEE-gəl; October 17, 1914 – January 28, 1996) was an American comic book writer. He was the co-creator of Superman, in collaboration with his friend Joe Shuster, published by DC Comics. They also created Doctor Occult, who was later featured in The Books of Magic. Siegel and Shuster were inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1993.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

With Bernard Baily, Siegel also co-created the long-running DC character The Spectre. Siegel created ten of the earliest members of the Legion of Super-Heroes, one of DC's most popular team books, which is set in the 30th Century. Siegel also used pseudonyms including Joe Carter and Jerry Ess. Siegel was born on October 17, 1914, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Lithuanian Jewish immigrants who arrived in New York in 1900, having fled antisemitism in their native Lithuania, then part of the Russian Empire. His father was born Mikhel Iankel Segalovich and his mother was born Sora Meita Khaikels, but they changed their names to Michael and Sarah Siegel after moving to the United States.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Jerry was the last of six children (Isabel...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Akhtar Hameed Khan — Contemporary (Born in 1914) (1914): Pioneering Pakistani social scientist and development practitioner.
• Alan Hodgkin — Contemporary (Born in 1914) (1914): Pioneering physiologist known for action potential theory and Nobel laureate.
• Albert Günther — Contemporary (Died in 1914) (1914): Pioneering zoologist and ichthyologist, renowned for massive contributions to taxonomy.
• 6ix9ine — Contemporary (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• A'ja Wilson — Contemporary (Born in 1996) (1996): Elite American WNBA star known for multiple MVP awards and championship success.
• Abdus Salam — Contemporary (Died in 1996) (1996): Pioneering Pakistani theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate.
• A. S. Neill — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1883): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Adam Michnik — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Alan Alda — Shared historical date (01-28 · Born) (1936): Esteemed American actor celebrated for M*A*S*H and decades of versatile performances.
• Alexander Mackenzie (politician) — Shared historical date (01-28 · Born) (1822): Scottish-Canadian stonemason and politician, second Prime Minister of Canada.
• 1914 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1914
• October 17 (10-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 17
• 1996 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1996
• January 28 (01-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 28

Frequently Asked Questions about Jerry Siegel