Biography

His comic strip "Doonesbury" was the first daily comic strip ever to win a Pulitzer Prize for Best Editorial Cartoon (1975) [Before then, the prize was given only to "single panel" editorial cartoonists].

Children with wife Jane Pauley: twins Ross and Rachel (born in 1983), and Thomas (born in 1986).

Creator, writer and artist of the comic strip "Doonesbury".

Distantly related to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau through a common ascendant exiled from France a few centuries ago. He made a reference to his distant cousin in his October 16, 1974 cartoon strip (the week's theme was President Gerald Ford's pardon for draft dodgers in Canada).

Modeled his "Doonesbury" comic strip character "Duke" after journalist Hunter S. Thompson.

The most difficult character for me is Zonker. He's much more of a free spirit than I am.

America is the only country in the world where failing to publicize yourself is considered arrogant.

Having a successful daily comic strip is the closest thing to tenure that popular culture offers. But it doesn't seem to have freed up creativity any more than tenure for professors has. It's been an open invitation for complacency.

When I talk to wounded veterans, I usually don't ask them what they think the mission was. I don't presume, because their lives are wrenching enough without the suggestion that their sacrifices may have been without meaning. Moreover, if that is so, it will become apparent to them soon enough . . . The young men and women who we've repeatedly put in harm's way are paying the price for this misbegotten mission, and as long as it continues, I, like so many of our countrymen, must walk this strange line between hating the war but honoring the warrior. I don't know how long we can keep it up. . .

"I think he is smart but willfully ignorant, and he uses his ignorance for strategic advantage, which is appalling. He substitutes belief for thought. It protects you from self-doubt" -- Trudeau's opinion of President George W. Bush.