Charles M. Schulz

Early Life and Passion for Drawing

If you’ve read the comic strip “Peanuts”, then you’ve probably heard the name Charles M. Schulz. He was the cartoonist behind the popular comic strip. Schulz was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was the only child of Carl Schulz and Dena Halverson. He was nicknamed “Sparky” by his uncle after the horse Spark Plug from the comic strip Barney Google.

Childhood Interests and Early Recognition

Schulz loved to draw right from his childhood. He especially loved to draw his family dog, Spike, who ate unusual things such as pins and tacks. In 1937, Schulz drew a picture of Spike and sent it to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! His drawing appeared in Robert Ripley’s syndicated panel with the caption: “A hunting dog that eats pins, tacks, and razor blades is owned by C. F. Schulz, St. Paul, Minn.” and “Drawn by ‘Sparky’”

Education and Early Struggles

Schulz went to Richards Gordon Elementary School where he skipped two half-grades. Being the youngest in class resulted in him becoming a shy and timid teenager. He once sent drawings to his high school yearbook staff only for them to be rejected. However, 60 years later, a five-foot statue of Snoopy was placed in the school’s main office.

Personal Tragedy and Military Service

In 1943, Schulz’s mother died after a long battle with cancer. Around the same time, he had enlisted in the United States Army. Schulz returned to Minneapolis after his discharge in 1945. He did lettering for a Roman Catholic comic magazine, Timeless Topix. A year later, he took up a job at Art Instruction Inc., reviewing and grading lessons submitted by students.

First Published Cartoon and Development of Charlie Brown

Charles M. Schulz published his first group of cartoons titled Li’l Folks from 1947 to 1950 in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. It was in this comic strip that he first used the name Charlie Brown for a character.

Creation of “Peanuts” and Worldwide Success

Schulz showcased his best work from Li’l Folks to United Feature Syndicate in 1950. By that time, he had developed a new comic strip, and United Feature Syndicate preferred that version. The comic strip went on to become one of the most popular comic strips of all time.

Legacy of “Peanuts”

Peanuts ran for nearly 50 years in over 2,600 newspapers across 75 countries. In 1999, Schulz suffered a stroke, and it was later discovered that he had colon cancer. He underwent chemotherapy, which made it difficult for him to read or see clearly. He announced his retirement in 1999. He passed away in his home a year later at the age of 77.