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Charles M. Schulz
1922-2000
Born on November 26, 1922 to Carl and Dena Schulz, Charles Schulz's connection to comic strips started at a very early age. When he was two days old, his uncle nicknamed him "Sparky" after the cartoon horse Spark Plug, in Billy DeBeck's popular comic strip of the day, Barney Google. The name would remain with him for the rest of his life.
Schulz grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he often dreamed of drawing his own comic strip. His parents encouraged his aspiration, enrolling him in two correspondence cartooning courses at what is now the Art Instruction Schools in Minneapolis. A shy student in public school, Schulz excelled in cartooning. He continued to hone his artistic talents until 1943, when he was drafted into the United States Army to serve in World War II. Even during his years in the service, Schulz found time to draw. He sketched snapshots of army life and decorated envelopes with drawings for his fellow soldiers to send home to their loved ones. Schulz would eventually be promoted to Staff Sergeant for the 20th Armored Division. His time in the military taught him the value of leadership, service to country, and responsibility to his fellow soldier.
Following his discharge in 1945, Schulz returned home and began lettering cartoons for Topix, a Catholic comic book. He also worked as an instructor with his alma mater, Art Instruction Schools, where he met fellow art instructors Charlie Brown, Linus Maurer, Frieda Rich... and a little red haired girl, who broke his heart. Schulz later put these names to use as he developed his cast of characters for Peanuts. On October 2, 1950, Peanuts debuted in seven newspapers nationwide. |