With heavy heart I found out on Sunday that Chris (Hagar the Horrible) died, ironically a day after the 50th anniversary of Hagar which was created by his father Dik. While I haven’t seen Chris in several years due to his health issues he used to participate in Sioux Falls Cartoonist events quite frequently and that guy could tell a story.
I won a personalized drawing by Chris
If you ever knew Chris you will know why he left Florida for Sioux Falls. After being invited to participate in Augie’s Viking Day Parade his wife Carroll told him she wanted to move here.
At one time Chris was most syndicated cartoonist in the world. I think Chris told me once he appeared in 2,000 daily newspapers across the world.
His famous cartoon that was featured in an episode of the Drew Carey Show.
Chris got his start in cartooning at Playboy Magazine with a strip called ‘Cruiser’. He told me many interesting tales about the parties at the mansion. The strip was based on his once roommate who didn’t do so well with the ladies.
Chris also used to date Dave Brubeck‘s daughter. Chris said, “Dave didn’t like me and nicknamed me The little devil.”
Chris was also known as a 100% tipper. Whether it was a haircut or a meal he would always tip 100%. He also told me a story about his family’s origin (not sure if it was true) As Chris explained it his family was Irish terrorists long before the IRA and the Crown sent them to prison camp in Australia. They escaped to America by stealing opals from the mine they worked in and used some of the jewels to pay for the trip. Chris claimed he still had one of the opals.
Chris was always entertaining to be around and one of the kindest people I ever met. I consider myself very fortunate to have spent time with him. He will be missed.
Scott, I never knew Mr. Browne, but he sounds like he was a very interesting and accomplished person, but you also need to be thanked for how you do a great job with your blog memorializing some people who deserve attention or even greater attention and here you have done it once again with Mr. Browne.
It’s also funny that you should mention Dave Brubeck in this piece, because Amazon just delivered Brubeck’s album with ‘Take Five’ on it to my house today, which I now play on my 35 year old restored JCPenney phonograph/stereo system. 🙂
I remember when Brubeck died and you wrote a piece about him as well, which helped to reinforce my thoughts and appreciation for his music, too. Thanks again.
And if “Woodstock” should ever die, I hope you pay tribute to him as well…. Oh, that’s right, cartoon characters never die, they just fade away….
( and Woodstock adds: “‘die’?”…. “What, me?”…. “Well, I ought to…..”….. (…. “And if he is such an expert on the old local JazzFest, then why did he need to be ‘reinforced’ about Brubeck, huh?”…. ))
Thanks. I wish more people got to know Chris while he lived here. He was very gregarious. I think he should have done standup comedy because his delivery and story telling reminded me of David Sidaris, a long drawn out story with an hilarious ending.
BTW, if I do an obit about you can I tell people how we used to talk about politics while I tried on All-Stars?
Take Five is also a fantastic jazz album, but my fave of all time is ‘Love Supreme’ by Coltrane.
Absolutely! And don’t forget to tell them also about the time my big black SUV caught on fire while eating a Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell…. #True Story #PoeticJustice #OhHowIronic #ItMadeTeaStormChasers #IAmSoProud
I don’t know much about Coltrane. I guess it’s time to be ‘reinforced’ once again…
And speaking of Chuck Taylors, let me, at this time, personally pay tribute to all of the Al Bundys of the world, living or dead, with this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjDnx5KXQSw
( and Woodstock adds: “‘Coltrane’?”…. “Isn’t that some kind of air conditioning system endorsed by Kent Hrbek?”…. )
The best way to ‘reinforce’ is with a really good buttress.
A SUV on fire at a local Taco Bell. That sounds more like the work of a local ‘Mafia’. They’ve always said that doxing could lead to a firestorm.
(just catching up on reading this blog) I’m sorry we have lost this kind, creative man. A few years ago he contributed his talent for the ballot campaign on limiting the payday loan rates. He drew a helpful cartoon for us. We used it in all our publicity. RIP, Chris Browne. You will be missed.