Famed caricaturist and comic artist Mort Drucker has passed away.
Morris (Mort) Drucker
March 22, 1929 – April 8, 2020
Master caricaturist, illustrator, and comic artist
Across Facebook and Twitter are notes of sadness.
There are many things in life we hope not to have to do and this is one of them. The incomparable Mort Drucker passed away last night. The World has lost a not just an extraordinary talent but a shining example of kindness, humility and humor. The Berndt Toast Gang has lost a friend, mentor, and hero.
From the National Cartoonists Society:
The incomparable Mort Drucker passed away last night. The World has lost a not just an extraordinary talent but a shining example of kindness, humility and humor. He was recognized for his work with the National Cartoonists Society Special Features Award (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988), the Reuben Award (1987), and induction into the Society’s Hall of Fame (2017).
and so many more.
On the web memorials being posted for the much-loved man.
No illustrator in recent memory has carried more influence on generations of artists of all stripes than the great Mort Drucker.
This is a tough one.
One of the greatest cartoonists and caricaturists artists who ever touched pen to paper passed away last night.. the incomparable Mort Drucker.
Tom also gives a heartfelt eulogy on behalf of the National Cartoonists Society.
But Mort had been drawing accolades for years before his death.
I would say, I will say, Mort was famed for his MAD magazine work, but there was so much more. Magazine covers, movie posters, illustrations everywhere, and instantly recognizable – both his style and the subjects of his caricatures.
Lambiek Comiclopedia has a biography of Mort,
above: Mort DC Comics gag pages via Cartoon Snap
while Jerry Bails has a comic bibligraphy (up to the 90s),
and Doug Gilford lists Mort’s 50+ years of contributions to MAD.
Flooby Nooby has a wonderful selection of Mort art – Part One, Part Two.
It includes Mort’s partnership with Jerry Dumas on the Reagan Era Benchley comic strip.
Farewell to a Master.
One of the bright lights of my youth has gone out. When I think of Mort Drucker, I will _always_ smile.
There’s no doubt in my mind that he was the very best at what he did. Not just the caricatures, but the amount and quality of side humor he added to his work. “Farewell to a Master” is right. I’d be willing to change “a” to “The.”
A great talent.
Too sad…One of the greatest talents and humble.
He will truly be missed.
Is there any chance that the picture of Mort Drucker’s drawing table/area would be issued as a poster?
I have several other “tombstone” posters of wonderful artists, and this would be a most worthy addition.
That photo of Mort’s drawing table came from Jason Chatfield, whose article was linked to earlier in the obituary.
https://www.jasonchatfield.com/blog/mort-drucker-to-receive-ncs-medal-of-honor