Harvey Kurtzman(1924-1993)
- Writer
- Animation Department
One of the most influential, yet unsung, figures in American humor,
cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman created "Mad Magazine" in 1952, and for the
next few years served as its editor and primary writer. After his
departure from "Mad, " he created two more humor magazines, "Trump" and
"Help!" Although neither was as successful as "Mad", "Help!" did help
launch the careers of a number of future luminaries, including
Woody Allen,
Terry Gilliam,
John Cleese,
Robert Crumb and
Gloria Steinem. Kurtzman's sole foray
into screenwriting, the animated
Mad Monster Party? (1967),
demonstrates much of the famous "Mad" comedy (including a reference to
one of the magazine's trademark nonsense words, "veeblefetzer") and has
developed a strong cult following.
