George McManus
Actor
About George McManus
George McManus was not an actor but rather one of the most influential and pioneering cartoonists of the early 20th century, best known for creating the iconic comic strip 'Bringing Up Father' featuring the characters Jiggs and Maggie. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, McManus began his artistic career at age 16 as a cartoonist for the St. Louis Republic newspaper before moving to New York City in 1904 to work for the New York World. His distinctive Art Deco illustration style and comedic storytelling revolutionized the comic strip medium, making him one of the highest-paid cartoonists of his era. The 'Bringing Up Father' strip, launched in 1913, became an international sensation and was adapted into numerous films, radio shows, and theatrical productions throughout the 1920s-1940s. McManus's work captured the American immigrant experience and the tensions between old-world traditions and new-world prosperity, resonating with millions of readers worldwide. His elegant drawing style, characterized by bold lines and sophisticated character designs, influenced generations of cartoonists and helped establish the comic strip as a legitimate art form. Despite his enormous success, McManus remained a private individual who rarely gave interviews, letting his artwork speak for itself throughout his five-decade career.
The Craft
Milestones
- Created 'Bringing Up Father' comic strip (1913)
- Pioneered Art Deco illustration style in comics
- Became one of highest-paid cartoonists of 1920s
- Had comic strip adapted into over 20 films
- Influenced generations of comic artists
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- National Cartoonists Society Gold Key Award (1950, posthumous)
- Inducted into Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame (2008, posthumous)
Special Recognition
- International Museum of Cartoonist Hall of Fame
- St. Louis Walk of Fame inductee
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
George McManus fundamentally shaped American popular culture through his 'Bringing Up Father' comic strip, which became one of the most widely recognized and beloved comic strips of the early 20th century. His creation of the characters Jiggs and Maggie tapped into the universal themes of generational conflict, assimilation, and the American Dream, making the strip relatable to millions of immigrants and native-born Americans alike. The strip's popularity transcended print media, inspiring stage plays, radio shows, and over 20 film adaptations, making McManus one of the few cartoonists whose work successfully crossed into multiple entertainment mediums. His distinctive Art Deco illustration style influenced not just comic art but also advertising design and commercial illustration throughout the 1920s and 1930s. McManus's work helped establish the comic strip as a legitimate art form and paved the way for future comic artists to achieve mainstream recognition and financial success.
Lasting Legacy
George McManus's legacy endures through the continued influence of 'Bringing Up Father' on comic art and popular culture, with the strip remaining in syndication for decades after his death. His innovative illustration techniques, particularly his mastery of line work and character design, continue to be studied by comic artists and illustrators today. The Jiggs and Maggie characters became cultural archetypes representing the tensions between tradition and modernity that still resonate in contemporary storytelling. McManus's success demonstrated that comic strips could achieve both artistic merit and commercial viability, inspiring future generations of cartoonists to pursue the medium as a serious career. His work is preserved in major museum collections including the Library of Congress and the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, ensuring that future generations can study and appreciate his contributions to American art and culture.
Who They Inspired
McManus's elegant drawing style and sophisticated approach to comic storytelling influenced countless artists who followed, including comic strip legends like Milton Caniff ('Terry and the Pirates') and Chester Gould ('Dick Tracy'). His ability to blend humor with social commentary set a standard for narrative comics that continues to this day. The commercial success he achieved helped establish the economic model for syndicated comic strips, proving that cartoonists could earn substantial incomes from their work. His character designs, particularly for Maggie, influenced fashion illustration and helped popularize certain styles of women's clothing in the 1920s. Many animation pioneers, including Walt Disney, studied McManus's work for his mastery of character expression and visual storytelling techniques that would later become fundamental to animated film.
Off Screen
George McManus was known for being extremely private about his personal life, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances despite his fame. He married twice, first to Cecelia Hession, who died in 1924, and later to Bertha Schroeder in 1932. McManus lived a comfortable life in New York City and later in Great Neck, Long Island, enjoying the financial success of his comic strip. He was known among colleagues as a gentleman who preferred the company of fellow artists and maintained a small circle of close friends throughout his life. His personal habits were reportedly modest despite his wealth, and he remained dedicated to his craft until his final years.
Education
Self-taught artist, attended public schools in St. Louis
Family
- Cecelia Hession (1912-1924)
- Bertha Schroeder (1932-1954)
Did You Know?
- Despite being one of the most famous cartoonists of his era, McManus was notoriously private and rarely appeared in public
- His 'Bringing Up Father' strip was translated into over 20 languages and published worldwide
- At the height of his fame, McManus earned over $100,000 per year (equivalent to over $1.5 million today)
- The character of Maggie was reportedly based on McManus's first wife, Cecelia
- McManus's work was so popular that during World War II, American soldiers read his strips in military publications around the world
- He never used assistants, drawing every panel of his comic strip himself for over 40 years
- The phrase 'Jiggs dinner' (a traditional Newfoundland meal) was named after his character
- McManus was one of the first cartoonists to successfully license his characters for merchandise
- His comic strip inspired a popular series of comedy films starring Jiggs and Maggie in the 1940s
- Despite his Irish heritage, McManus was actually of German descent on his father's side
In Their Own Words
I don't think of myself as a humorist. I'm just trying to tell a story with pictures
The secret to a good comic strip is making people care about the characters
Jiggs and Maggie aren't just characters - they're every family you've ever known
I draw what I see in the world around me, I just make it funnier
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was George McManus?
George McManus was a pioneering American cartoonist best known for creating the iconic comic strip 'Bringing Up Father' featuring the characters Jiggs and Maggie. He was one of the most influential and successful cartoonists of the early 20th century, known for his distinctive Art Deco illustration style and humorous storytelling about family life and social climbing.
What is George McManus best known for?
George McManus is best known for creating 'Bringing Up Father,' one of the most popular and enduring comic strips of the 20th century. The strip, which ran from 1913 to 2000, featured the humorous adventures of Irish-American immigrant Jiggs and his social-climbing wife Maggie, and was adapted into numerous films, radio shows, and stage productions.
When was George McManus born and when did he die?
George McManus was born on January 23, 1884, in St. Louis, Missouri, and died on October 22, 1954, at the age of 70 in Santa Monica, California. He enjoyed a career spanning over five decades, from his beginnings as a teenage cartoonist until his death in the mid-1950s.
Did George McManus act in films like 'Little Nemo' and 'Gertie the Dinosaur'?
No, this appears to be a case of mistaken identity. George McManus was a cartoonist, not an actor. The films 'Little Nemo' (1911) and 'Gertie the Dinosaur' (1914) were animated works by Winsor McCay, and there is no credible evidence that George McManus participated as an actor in these or any other films.
What awards did George McManus receive?
George McManus received the National Cartoonists Society Gold Key Award posthumously in 1950 and was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008. He was also honored with induction into the International Museum of Cartoonist Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame for his contributions to American art and culture.
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Films
2 films
