Melvin Lazarus (May 3, 1927 – May 24, 2016) was an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of two comic strips, Miss Peach (1957–2002) and Momma (1970–2016). Additionally, he wrote two novels. For his comic strip Pauline McPeril (a 1966-69 collaboration with Jack Rickard), he used the pseudonym Fulton, which is also the name of a character in his first novel, The Boss Is Crazy, Too.
Biography
Lazarus was born in Brooklyn, to Sydney Lazarus, a successful glass-blower, and Frances (née Mushkin) Lazarus, nicknamed Frankie. Wee Women and Li'l Ones.
In 1964, Lazarus talked about his background and working methods:
thumb|right|400px|Mell Lazarus' Miss Peach on February 4, 1957
Lazarus served as president of the National Cartoonists Society for two consecutive terms, from 1989 to 1993.
Books
His novel The Boss Is Crazy, Too (Dial, 1963) concerns Carson Hemple, art director of a comic-book and confession-magazine publishing company, who is told by the owner to help force the company into bankruptcy, and who responds with inventive embezzlement schemes. The book was inspired by his time at Toby Press. It was optioned for a movie.
He won the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, for Miss Peach, in 1981, and the organization's Silver T-Square Award in 2000.
Personal life
Lazarus was married twice, first to Eileen Lazarus, which ended in divorce; then to Sally Mitchell, He had three daughters, Margie, Suesan and Cathie; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
His membership in Mensa was mentioned in the 1999 episode "They Saved Lisa's Brain" of The Simpsons.
References
External links
- Mell Lazarus at the Lambiek Comiclopedia
- Tribute to Mell Lazarus, excerpted from the documentary film by Sari Armington, The Folks Behind the Funnies