'American Splendor' Legend Harvey Pekar Dead at 70

By PopEater Staff Posted Jul 12th 2010 12:00PM

'American Splendor' comic book writer Harvey Lawrence Pekar was found dead shortly before 1AM on July 12 by his wife, Joyce Brabner, in their Cleveland Heights home, Powell Caesar, spokesman for Cuyahoga County Coroner Frank Miller, told Cleveland.com. Cleveland Heights police Capt. Michael Cannon says Pekar had been suffering from prostate cancer, asthma, high blood pressure and depression. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Pekar was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 1990 and underwent grueling treatment.

Upon hearing the news, Paul Giamatti, who portrayed Pekar in the 2003 film adaption of 'American Splendor,' tells PopEater, "Harvey was one of the most compassionate and empathetic human beings I've ever met. He had a huge brain and an even bigger soul. And he was hilarious. He was a great artist, a true American poet and there is no one to replace him."

Pekar's third wife is writer Joyce Brabner, with whom he collaborated on 'Our Cancer Year,' a graphic novel autobiography of his struggle with lymphoma. He lived in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, with Brabner and their foster daughter, Danielle.

Pekar's 'American Splendor' comics, which he began publishing in 1976, chronicle his grousing about work, money and the monotony of life. A wide range of illustrators contributed to its pages, most famously R. Crumb, who first met Pekar in Cleveland in the 1960s and encouraged him to turn the stories he gathered on his travels through the city into comics.

The books gained a cult following, ultimately helping change the way comic books were perceived. They were adapted into the 2003 film 'American Splendor,' starring Paul Giamatti as Pekar.

In the late 1980s, Pekar's made eight guest appearances on 'Late Night with David Letterman,' but his on-air criticism of General Electric, which owned NBC, led to the show banning him as a guest until the early 1990s.

He won several awards for his work, including 1987's American Book Award for 'American Splendor' series, Harvey Award in 1995 for Best Graphic Album of Original Work and Radio-Television News Director's Association's 2001 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Writing.

Leave Your Tributes to Harvey on Our Facebook.

Tags: American Splendor, harvey pekar

Comments

(14)

Monday 12 July

By Nico Toscani

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Here amongst the celebutard gossip is a real, sad and very important story (and therefore one that will hardly garner notice). America has lost one of its great, truly original voices. Harvey Pekar didn't just speak for the "little guy", he WAS the "little guy" who spoke for us all. His work spoke to the loneliness and despair at the heart of the failed American dream. You will be missed Harvey.

By thereyago

Vote down Vote up Report this

So true...all these alledged news headlines??? hmmmmmmmm?? I don't care about any of the "alledged" headliners except authors. It's sick that America is "fed up". We still have the real news like has anyone seen a 7 year old in Oregon. I hope so. It matters. Kurt Vonnegut would have vomited over any other "news".

By david

lebron could have learned a thing or two from mr. pekar; a true and loyal cleveland original who never missed a chance to promote the city. he had a unique talent and perspective that will be sorely missed.

By Linda

Harvey Pekar was a true American original and a hero of mine. He was interesting in so many ways that had nothing to do with Hollywood or celebrity, and was 100% true to himself. We've lost a great man.

By Tony Roberts

His wife should have slipped him a Viagra!
It's known to revive a peckar. Luv u man

By avwrobel

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

A terrific American original. Harvey was proof you can be wonderful artist and stay true to yourself. We're glad we knew ye Harvey!!

By BOOWAH

Most of us keep our feelings inside. Harvey wore his on the outside! He didn't live the "Polyanna" life that most of us live, pretending that something magical will happen and we'll win life's lottery and be happy and fulfilled ever after. He was a realist, opting to avoid the disappointment of unsubstantiated optimism! "Farewell Harvey!" "At peace at last"

By jrrs414879

Watched "American Splendor" at least 4 times...never get sick of it...great characters and all based on living individuals...great movie and very intriguing man!

Tuesday 13 July

By CM

I just wanted to say that this was a very well written story. In a few paragraphs it gave me a good glimpse into an interesting person and personality.

By Roro

How sad for Joyce and Danielle. Harvey was so bright and honest with himself and the rest of us. I was a Paul Giamatti fan before Paul played Harvey in the movie. Danielle was a true gift from God to Joyce and Harvey. I have often wondered what happened to her father. Rest in peace Harvey.

By jay51

THERE'S A LITTLE BIT OF HARVEY IN ALL OF US ! GO BLESS YOU HARVEY !

By teddy gorey

I couldn't help but think of seeing Harvey on a very recent rerun of the very real, very entertaining and very symbolic "No Reservations" with Harvey showing Anthony Bourdain "his" Cleveland in wintertime. It was the perfect farewell appearance and thank you Tony for showing Harvey the empathy and respect he deserved.

By mediaate

seeing this notice is all the more startling since Harvey acts as a tour guide to a respectful, empathetic Tony Bourdain in the entertaining, oh-so-real and so symbolic visit to wintertime Cleveland in "No Reservations" this is making the current rerun rounds.

That was a particularly good episode of No Reservations. It's just sad that it was only near the end of his life that Harvey Pekar was being recognized as the genius he was.

Page 1 of 1