Gary Larson

Gary Larson: A Cartoonist Who Changed the Way We Look at the World

Gary Larson is a cartoonist, author, and speaker best known for his syndicated comic strip The Far Side, which ran from 1980 to 1995. Larson's cartoons were often characterized by their dark humor, surreal imagery, and unexpected punchlines. He was also a pioneer in the use of meta-humor and self-referential humor in his work.

Early Life and Career

Gary Larson was born on August 14, 1950, in Aberdeen, Washington. He developed an interest in cartooning at an early age, and after graduating from high school he attended Washington State University, where he studied biology. After graduating from college, Larson worked as a fish biologist for the Washington State Department of Fisheries.

In 1979, Larson submitted a portfolio of his cartoons to The Seattle Times. The newspaper's editor was impressed with Larson's work, and he offered him a job as a cartoonist. Larson's cartoons quickly became popular with readers, and within a year he had signed a syndication deal with Universal Press Syndicate.

The Far Side

The Far Side debuted in 1980, and it quickly became one of the most popular comic strips in the world. Larson's cartoons were syndicated in over 1,900 newspapers in 27 countries. The Far Side was known for its dark humor and surreal imagery, and it often featured animals, aliens, and other non-human characters. Larson's cartoons were also notable for their unexpected punchlines, which often left readers laughing out loud.

Awards and Recognition

Gary Larson won numerous awards for his work on The Far Side, including four Reuben Awards from the National Cartoonists Society. He was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1990. In 2006, Larson was inducted into the Cartoonists Hall of Fame.

Legacy

Gary Larson's The Far Side is considered to be one of the most influential comic strips of all time. Larson's unique style of humor and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in a comic strip helped to change the way that people thought about cartoons. Larson's work has also been praised for its intelligence and its ability to make readers think.

Personal Life

Gary Larson is married to Celeste Tahir-Larson, a former editor at The Seattle Times. The couple has two children. Larson is a private person, and he rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances.