Peyo (1928–1992)

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Biography

Pierre Culliford was a Belgian comics writer and artist who worked under the pseudonym Peyo. His best-known works are the comic book series The Smurfs and Johan and Peewit, in the latter of which the Smurfs made their first appearance.

Timeline

The story of Peyo, told in moments.

1928 Birth

Born Pierre Culliford in Schaerbeek, Brussels. His nickname "Peyo" came from a baby cousin who couldn't pronounce "Pierre." He dropped out of school to work at an animation studio.

Did your baby cousin know they named you for life? Why did you leave school for animation? Was Brussels a good city for a young cartoonist?

1946 Life

Started drawing comic strips for Belgian magazines. Created Johan and Peewit, a medieval adventure series, for Le Journal de Spirou.

What drew you to medieval adventure stories? How did drawing for Le Journal de Spirou shape your style? Were Johan and Peewit your first love?

1958 Event

Introduced the Smurfs (Les Schtroumpfs) as minor characters in a Johan and Peewit story. He'd invented the word "Schtroumpf" at dinner when he forgot the word for salt.

How did forgetting the word for salt create the Smurfs? Did you know those minor characters would overshadow everything? What made 'Schtroumpf' stick?

1981 Event

Hanna-Barbera launched The Smurfs animated TV series. It ran for nine seasons on NBC. Peyo retained creative control and insisted on approving every script.

Was giving creative control to Hanna-Barbera difficult? Did the TV show change what the Smurfs meant to you? How did you feel about approving every script?

1992 Death

Died of a heart attack in Brussels on Christmas Eve. He was 64. The Smurfs franchise has since generated over $8 billion in merchandise and media.

Did $8 billion in merchandise ever feel strange to you? What would you think of the Smurfs' legacy today? Is being remembered for blue creatures enough?

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