E.C. Segar

Elzie Crisler Segar (December 8, 1894 – October 13, 1938) was an American cartoonist best known for creating Popeye the Sailor, one of history’s most iconic comic strip characters. Born in Chester, Illinois, Segar’s legacy as the creator of Thimble Theatre—the strip that introduced Popeye in 1929—cemented his place in pop culture history.

Early Life and Beginnings

Segar grew up in a working-class family in Chester, Illinois. His Jewish handyman father was also a painter and wallpaper decorator. Elzie’s childhood interests included photography, drumming, and window dressing. He later worked as a house painter, sign painter, and movie projectionist, dabbling in creative outlets before pursuing cartooning.

Segar’s entry into the art world wasn’t conventional. A $20 loan from a friend, Bill Schuchert, enabled him to enroll in a correspondence course in cartooning. His early work faced rejections, but his determination led him to Chicago, where he broke into the newspaper business.

Artistic Career and Key Works

Segar’s career began with Charlie Chaplin’s Comic Capers in 1916, published in the Chicago Herald. This was followed by several strips, including:

• Barry the Boob (1917–1918): A World War I-themed series.
• Looping the Loop (1918–1919): A local strip for the Chicago Evening American.
• Thimble Theatre (1919): His most enduring creation became a platform for Popeye’s debut a decade later.

With Thimble Theatre, Segar blended slapstick humor and outrageous gags, creating a signature style that appealed to audiences worldwide.

Personal Life

In 1918, Segar married Myrtle Annie Johnson. They had two children, Marie and Thomas, and eventually settled in Santa Monica, California. Outside of work, Segar enjoyed outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, sailing, and shooting.

Legacy

Elzie Segar’s creation of Popeye turned the sailor into an international sensation. The character’s rough-and-tumble charm, bolstered by Segar’s distinctive comedic voice, influenced generations of cartoonists and entertainers. Tragically, Segar passed away from leukemia at the young age of 43. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica, leaving a lasting legacy in comics.

Today, Segar’s work continues to resonate, with Popeye symbolizing resilience, humor, and timeless storytelling.