Jules Feiffer Dead: Iconic Cartoonist and Hollywood Writer Dies at 95

Jules Feiffer, the celebrated cartoonist, author, and screenwriter, has died at the age of 95. He passed away on January 17 from congestive heart failure, his family confirmed. Feiffer’s long and prolific career left a lasting mark on both the literary and film worlds.

Feiffer was best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoons, which appeared in The Village Voice for over 40 years. His sharp wit and insightful commentary earned him a devoted following and established him as one of America’s most influential satirists. His work captured the anxieties and absurdities of modern life, blending humor with poignant social critique.

In addition to his achievements in print, Feiffer also made notable contributions to Hollywood. He wrote the Academy Award-winning animated short Munro (1961), which told the story of a four-year-old boy drafted into the U.S. Army. The film, based on Feiffer’s own story, was praised for its clever narrative and remains a classic in animation history.

Feiffer’s screenwriting credits also include Carnal Knowledge (1971), directed by Mike Nichols. The film explored s***al relationships with raw honesty and was both controversial and groundbreaking for its time. His other film work included Popeye (1980), a live-action adaptation of the comic strip directed by Robert Altman. Though opinions on the film were mixed, Feiffer’s script captured the heart of E.C. Segar’s beloved characters.

Born on January 26, 1929, in the Bronx, New York, Feiffer grew up during the Great Depression. He found escape and inspiration in comic books, which sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. Early in his career, he worked as an assistant to The Spirit creator Will Eisner, refining his artistic and narrative skills.

Feiffer’s influence extended beyond cartoons and films. He wrote plays, novels, and children’s books, earning accolades in nearly every medium he touched. His children’s book The Man in the Ceiling and his memoir Backing Into Forward showed his versatility as a writer and his enduring appeal across generations.

Friends and colleagues remembered Feiffer as a creative force with an unmatched ability to mix humor and humanity. Younger cartoonists and writers often cited him as a mentor and an inspiration.

Following his death, tributes poured in from the literary and entertainment communities. Many praised Feiffer for his fearless voice and his contributions to both comics and cinema.

Jules Feiffer is survived by his children and grandchildren. His family described him as a devoted father and grandfather who continued to draw and write well into his 90s.

Though he is gone, Feiffer’s work remains timeless. His cartoons, stories, and screenplays continue to entertain and challenge audiences, ensuring his place as one of America’s great creative minds.

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