Morton Walker (1923–2018,) born Addison Morton Walker, was an American cartoonist and writer best known for creating the popular comic strip Beetle Bailey, which became an enduring part of American culture.
Born in El Dorado, Arkansas, Walker grew up in a family that valued creativity and artistic expression. He attended the University of Missouri, where he studied art and developed his talent for drawing. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he pursued a career in cartooning, contributing to various publications and honing his craft.
His most significant achievement came with the creation of Beetle Bailey in 1950. The comic strip, which follows the misadventures of a lazy but lovable soldier in a fictional military base, resonated with readers for its humor and relatable take on military life. It became one of the most widely syndicated comics in the world, appearing in over 1,800 newspapers across the globe. Its success cemented Walker’s reputation as one of the most influential cartoonists of his era.
Other notable works include Hi and Lois (1954,) which he co-created with Dik Browne. The strip focuses on the daily life of a suburban family and showcases Walker’s skill in capturing both the humor and warmth of domestic life. He was also a prolific author, publishing books and instructional guides on cartooning, including The Art of Cartooning (1977.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Mort Walker
Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of the heart.
—Mort Walker
Topics: One liners, Laughter
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