New Yorker cartoonist Leo Cullum dies in Malibu at 68 [updated]

Leo Cullum, a cartoonist whose drawings helped define the look of the New Yorker magazine in recent decades, died of cancer Saturday in Malibu, his brother Thomas said. He was 68.

For 33 years, Cullum contributed hundreds of cartoons to the magazine, featuring images of businessmen in sombreros, showgirls in courtrooms and smart aleck dogs. His distinctive drawings were often used for the magazine's caption contest.

Cullum worked as a pilot for TWA for 30 years, including his early years as a cartoonist.

-- Associated Press

For the record: An earlier version of this post said Cullum took up cartooning more seriously after TWA laid him off. In fact, Cullum was an active cartoonist during his airline career. He quit flying for TWA when he reached the airline's mandatory retirement age of 60.

Comments

[Alnilam]

A wonderful man and fine pilot. Bye, Leo.

Capt. Bob

[Cecelia Kennelly-Waeschle]

Leo & his lovely wife Kathy were dear friends to my husband Cliff and I.
Leo flew with Cliff at TWA and they were both Marine pilots, though
not at the same time. I would say, Leo was probably one of the kindest,
caring and most intelligent people we have ever met. We were so honored
to be their friends and doubly honored when he named us in the dedication
page on his last book, Suture Self, one of his funniest cartoon books to date.
Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Kathy, daughters Kimberly and
her husband Marcus and Kathy's, daughter Kaitlin, also to the rest of
his family, our deepest condolences.
May the Road rise up to meet you Leo
And may God always hold you in the palm of His hand.
Love, C & C Waeschle