One of the most innovative, inspirational and imitated artists in the history of cartooning, Mort Drucker has illuminated the pages of MAD Magazine since 1956 with his brilliant movie and TV caricatures. His Time covers hang in the National Portrait Gallery and he holds an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the Art Institute of Boston. In 1987, the National Cartoonists Society awarded him the profession’s highest honor, the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year.
In 2015, he became the inaugural recipient of the NCS Medal of Honor. To mark the occasion, the NCS created a commemorative video. Filmed at Mort’s home studio in Long Island, New York, the legendary artist talked to his friend and fellow cartoonist John Reiner, the artist on the hugely popular features The Lockhorns, Howard Huge and Laugh Parade.
In a warm and enthralling conversation, the pair reflected on Mort’s path from his teenage days as a comic book assistant artist to his rapid ascent to the pinnacle of the profession, and discussed the attention to detail and quest for cartooning excel;;once that haas been the hallmark of Drucker’s illustrious career.
Directed and edited by Jeff Keane
Videography, editing and post production by Spencer Keane
Titles by Heather Steckley
Archival footage courtesy of Aron Laikin @The Creativity Zone
DVD sleeve design by Steve McGarry
Produced by Steve McGarry on behalf of the National Cartoonists Society Foundation