'Ziggy' Cartoonist and Creator Tom Wilson Sr., Dead at 80

One of the country's most beloved cartoonists, Tom Wilson Sr., creator of comics page and licensing icon Ziggy, died Sept. 16, after a long illness.

The 80-year-old Wilson's Ziggy, which celebrated 40 years in syndication in June, continues to be produced by Wilson's son, Tom Wilson Jr., who has handled the day-to-day operation of the panel since 1987, reports Universal Uclick.

Ziggy is distributed to newspapers worldwide by Universal Uclick, an Andrews McMeel Universal company.

"We are saddened at the passing of Tom Wilson, a visionary cartoonist and longtime friend," said John McMeel, chairman and president of Andrews McMeel Universal. "Tom leaves behind a wonderful legacy in Ziggy, a hard-luck comics page hero who serves as a reflection of Tom's endearing wit and optimism in the face of adversity. Our hearts are with the Wilson family during this time of loss."

"Tom Wilson had a unique gift for producing creations that stirred imaginations and touched people's lives," said Hugh Andrews, chief executive officer and president of Andrews McMeel Publishing. "It speaks volumes about Tom that Ziggy, a character he held very dear to his heart, has been a mainstay on the comics page for more than 40 years and continues to make new fans worldwide to this day. We join millions of fans around the world in mourning the loss of a truly exceptional innovator."

Tom Wilson was born Aug. 1, 1931. For more than 35 years, he served as a creative director at American Greetings, where he was responsible for the development of many breakthrough card lines. Wilson first published Ziggy in the 1969 cartoon collection When You're not Around. The Ziggy comic panel, syndicated by Universal Uclick (formerly Universal Press Syndicate), launched in 15 newspapers in June 1971. It now appears in more than 500 daily and Sunday newspapers and has been featured in best-selling books, calendars and greeting cards.

A veteran of the licensing business, Wilson headed up the creative team that developed such character licensing blockbusters as Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears.

In 1987, Wilson passed the Ziggy torch to his son, Tom Wilson Jr., after the younger Wilson had served as an assistant on the strip for many years.

Wilson was a painter, with works appearing in exhibitions throughout the United States, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Society of Illustrations annual show in New York. He also made his mark in animation with the Emmy Award-winning special, "Ziggy's Gift," which was re-released on video in 2005.

Laguna Niguel resident, Jerry Walters said, "Growing up, I always read Ziggy and laughed out loud many times. It was one of my favorite comic strips, I am glad his son is keeping it alive."

He is survived by his wife Carol, son Tom Wilson Jr., and daughters Ava and Julie.