152 years ago today, Monday, January 27, 1868, an obscure Polish-American bartender & general laborer by the name of Frank “Rocky” Fiegel (1868-1947) was born in Poland. Late in his life, Rocky Fiegel became somewhat famous as the real-life inspiration for E. C. Segar’s ever-popular cartoon character Popeye The Sailor.
According to Wikipedia:
Local folklore in Chester, Illinois, Segar's hometown, claims that Frank “Rocky” Fiegel was the real-life inspiration for the character Popeye. He had a prominent chin, sinewy physique, characteristic pipe, & a propensity & agile skill for fist-fighting. Fiegel died on March 24, 1947 never having married. His gravestone has the image of Popeye engraved on it. The town of Chester erected a statue of Popeye in Fiegel’s honor, which still stands today.
No comments:
Post a Comment