Jules Feiffer, the acerbic cartoonist and writer whose work spanned decades and mediums, has died at 95. Known for his biting humor and incisive social commentary, Jules Feiffer’s death on January 21, 2025, at his home in Richfield Springs, N.Y., marks the end of a prolific career.
Here’s what we know about his life, his influential work, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Jules Feiffer passes away at 95, claims report
Jules Feiffer, acerbic cartoonist, writer, and creator of the long-running Village Voice comic strip, passed away on January 21, 2025, at his home in Richfield Springs, N.Y. He was 95. His wife, JZ Holden, stated the cause of death was congestive heart failure. Feiffer was best known for his comic strip Feiffer, which ran for over 40 years starting in 1956 and offered a sharp critique of politics, relationships, and human nature.
Born Jules Ralph Feiffer on January 26, 1929, in the Bronx, New York, he grew up during the Great Depression. His father, David Feiffer, struggled as a businessman, while his mother, Rhoda Feiffer, supported the family through dress design. Feiffer’s early influences included cartoonists E.C. Segar (Thimble Theater), Al Capp (Li’l Abner), and Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), alongside superhero comics that emerged in the late 1930s (via New York Times).
Feiffer’s career expanded beyond comics into screenplays, novels, plays, and children’s literature. He collaborated with filmmakers like Mike Nichols (Carnal Knowledge), Robert Altman (Popeye), and Alain Resnais (I Want to Go Home). He also illustrated Norton Juster’s acclaimed children’s book The Phantom Tollbooth. Galleries, museums, and even a modern-dance production showcased Feiffer’s work, highlighting his multifaceted creativity..
Jules Feiffer’s death marks the end of a prolific career that left an indelible mark on American culture. Known for his acerbic wit and incisive critique of societal norms, his work resonated across mediums and generations. He leaves behind his wife, family, and a legacy of influential art and storytelling.
