Roy Nelson

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Cartoonist and caricaturist Roy Nelson was born May 17, 1905 in Virginia, Minnesota. His remarkable talent for drawing was recognized at an early age, and after graduating High School he was accepted into the Art Institute of Chicago. After graduation, Roy joined the staff of The Chicago Daily News as an artist-reporter, contributing caricatures, cartoons and comics.

During this period, Roy also contributed many cartoons to Esquire magazine starting with the first issue in October, 1933.

Roy left the Chicago Daily News briefly in the early 1930's and joined the staff of the Walt Disney studios. Roy produced publicity artwork and assisted in drawing the daily Mickey Mouse newspaper strip. After several months Roy returned to Chicago and the Daily News.

Roy worked for the Chicago Daily News for over 14 years before entering the Army at the start of World War 2. He served for 3 years, and after the end of the War returned to his home town in Minnesota where he resumed his career as a cartoonist, working freelance for various clients including The Sporting News, Hearst Newspapers and Saalfield books.

In 1950, Roy married Marcella Colberg. Three years later, Roy was diagnosed with Lung cancer and entered a VA hospital for treatment. Roy Died in 1956 as reported in the Tower News upon Marcella's recent death.

Roy Nelson's work is currently showcased on the webpage Cartoonretro.com. Cartoonretro president Shane Glines, author of Tophats and Flappers: The Art of Russell Patterson, is currently writing a major monograph on the life and work of Roy Nelson titled Roy Nelson: The Art of Appeal.