Jim Davis (1945–1981)

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Biography

Jim Davis was an American actor, best known for his roles in television Westerns. In his later career, he became famous as Jock Ewing in the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas, a role he continued until he was too ill from multiple myeloma to perform. In 1981, his performance on the series earned him a posthumous nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

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Timeline

The story of Jim Davis, told in moments.

1973 Life

Created his first comic strip, Gnorm Gnat. It ran for five years. An editor told him nobody could relate to a bug. Davis took the advice literally.

Did the 'nobody relates to a bug' advice sting or free you? Was Gnorm Gnat any good?

1978 Event

Garfield debuted in 41 newspapers. A fat, lazy, lasagna-eating cat. Within four years it ran in over 1,000 papers. Davis designed the character to be marketable from day one.

Did you design Garfield to be marketable from day one? Is that cynical or just smart?

2002 Life

Garfield entered the Guinness World Records as the most widely syndicated comic strip, appearing in roughly 2,580 newspapers across 111 countries.

How does it feel to hold a world record for syndication? Is Garfield art or product?

Artifacts (15)

Garfield Gains Weight: His Second Book

In this collection of comic strips Garfield, an overweight, lazy, and cantankerous cat taxes the patience of his owner, Jon, with his humorous antics.

1981

Works Read Talk

Garfield, His 9 Lives

Garfield lives his life to the fullest . . . 9 times! Cave Cat -- the first cat crawled out of the sea 10 million years ago. He was happy to be out of the water -- until he met Big Bob! The Vikings --...

1984

Works Read Talk

Garfield Takes Up Space

Garfield knows what matters in life --- whether he's stealing Jon's dinner, performing for his favorite audience, or simply pondering the vastness of space. And he must be doing sometjing right,...

1991

Works Read Talk

Garfield Loses His Feet

A collection of comic strips featuring Garfield the cat.

2004

Works Read Talk

Garfield Makes it Big

This is his tenth book--and Garfield and the gang want to celebrate. Millions of fans just can't get enough of Garfield and company, so join them for an old-fashioned hoe-down and then sit down so you...

2005

Works Read Talk

Garfield Rounds Out

On the road with Garfield: Down on the farm, lost in a world of his own, or camping out with the gang, Garfield always finds a way to keep life interesting. Now that might be bad news for Jon and...

2008

Works Read Talk

Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack #14

This fun-filled collection includes three books in one: Garfield Survival of the Fattest, Garfield Older & Wider, and Garfield Pigs Out. Fat-cat fans, rejoice! The portly puss with a penchant for...

2009

Works Read Talk

Garfield Eats His Heart Out: His 6th Book

Lock up the lasagna! Chain the chicken! And hold on to your funny bone . . . America's favorite cat is hungrier, funnier, lazier, grouchier and more lovable than ever before!

2012

Works Read Talk

Garfield Takes Up Space: His 20th Book

Garfield's Got the Magic Touch Garfield knows what matters in life—whether he's stealing Jon's dinner, performing for his favorite audience, or simply pondering the vastness of space. And he must be...

2012

Works Read Talk

Garfield Swallows His Pride: His 14th Book

Here's Garfield at his most appealing. Debonair, wise beyond his years—and funny! When you crave sarcasm, rapier wit, pithy comments, or lots of belly laughs, Garfield's the one who has it all!

2012

Works Read Talk

Garfield Out to Lunch: His 12th Book

When food is your life, it's hard to think of anything else. Still, Garfield manages. Whether it's time to clean out Jon's drawers his way, finding a hiding place that's too good, or discovering he...

2012

Works Read Talk

Garfield the Big Cheese

Garfield returns-weighing more than ever!-for his 59th book, a brand-new, full-color compilation strip book and another must-have for Garfield fans. They are all here-Jon, Odie, Nermal, and, of...

2015

Works Read Talk

Garfield Vol. 9

It’s Garfield like you’ve never seen him before. Garfield: His 9 Lives went from illustrated book to beloved animated special, and now you can see the different lives of Garfield throughout history in...

2016

Works Read Talk

Garfield Throws His Weight Around: His 33rd Book

The Reigning King of Cats Shows You Who’s Boss! Garfield rules his kingdom with an iron paw. No one is safe from the portly prankster! So whether he’s playing snap-the-towel with the constantly...

2017

Works Read Talk

Garfield Complete Works: Volume 2: 1980 & 1981

This comprehensive collectors’ series will appeal both to new readers and longtime fans of the famed lasagna-loving cat. Garfield Complete Works: Volume 2, 1980 & 1981 continues the definitive...

2019

Works Read Talk

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