4/8/2007

in

Award winning Johnny Hart created "B.C." and "Wizard of Id" comic strips.

Jess Boettger

The cartoonist Johnny Hart died at the age of 76 at home in Endicott, New York. Hart was best known for such popular comic strips as "B.C." and "The Wizard of Id." His award-winning comics have appeared in more than 1,300 newspapers around the world.  
  
Hart's first popular strip was a sparely drawn cartoon that followed cavemen, cavewomen, and prehistoric animals. "B.C." started its syndicated run in 1958, eventually making appearances in over 1,300 papers, according to Creators Syndicate. Hart was regarded by many peers as one of the best and most original cartoonists around.  
  
The cartoonist died doing what he loved. The 76-year-old died in his studio, his wife said. "He died at his storyboard," from an apparent stroke. The artist leaves behind his wife, Bobby, and two daughters, Patti and Perri. He died on Saturday, just before Easter. The funeral is scheduled for Friday.  
  
Among the awards Hart earned in his career was the Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year.