Albert Uderzo

Profession: Cartoonist and Children's Author

Nationality:

Biography: Albert Uderzo was a French comic book artist and scriptwriter, best known for co-creating the Astérix series with his partner René Goscinny. His influence extended beyond his work on Astérix, with other successful projects such as Oumpah-pah.

Uderzo was born to Italian immigrants in the small town of Fismes, France in 1927. During his formative years, he overcame challenges such as xenophobia and nurtured a passion for art, despite being colorblind. The Second World War affected his family deeply, with his brother Bruno being conscripted.

The 1950s marked a turning point in Uderzo's career when he met writer René Goscinny. Together, they entered into a partnership which culminated in the creation of Astérix, which debuted in Pilote magazine in 1959. After Goscinny's passing in 1977, Uderzo continued with Astérix on his own, even establishing his own publishing company, Editions Albert René, to support this.

Uderzo's personal life saw him marrying Ada Milani in 1953, with whom he had one daughter, Sylvie Uderzo. In later years, his family became entangled in disputes regarding the Astérix series' management and legacy, which led to legal confrontations and eventually a settlement. Following Uderzo's decision to retire, the Astérix series was handed over to Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad.

During his career, Uderzo received several accolades, such as being named a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1985 and his induction into the Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2005.

Born: April 25, 1927
Birthplace: Fismes, Marne, France

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: March 24, 2020 (aged 92)