Nicole Hollander, Creator of 'Sylvia' Comic Strip, Dies at 86
Nicole Hollander, the feminist cartoonist behind the long-running comic strip 'Sylvia,' died on April 23 in Chicago at age 86. Her death occurred in an assisted-living center; her friend and executor Tom Greensfelder confirmed the news, noting she had been treated for respiratory issues and dementia. Hollander's strip, launched in 1980, featured Sylvia, a big-haired, cigarette-smoking, cat-loving single mother who offered sharp commentary on sex, politics, health care, and the environment. With a loose drawing style reminiscent of Jules Feiffer, Hollander brought radical feminism to daily newspapers for over three decades. Alison Bechdel, creator of 'Dykes to Watch Out For,' praised Hollander's work as 'really radical feminism in the daily paper.' Hollander's quizzes and gags, such as a gender quiz referencing Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton, highlighted her acerbic wit.
Key facts
- Nicole Hollander died on April 23 in Chicago at age 86.
- Her death was confirmed by friend and executor Tom Greensfelder.
- She had been treated for respiratory issues and dementia.
- Her comic strip 'Sylvia' debuted in 1980 and ran for over 30 years.
- The strip featured a feminist single mother with big hair, smoking, and a cat.
- Hollander's drawing style was compared to Jules Feiffer.
- Alison Bechdel called the strip 'really radical feminism in the daily paper.'
- Hollander created quizzes like 'How Well Do You Know Your Genders?'
Entities
Artists
- Nicole Hollander
- Jules Feiffer
- Alison Bechdel
- Nancy Pelosi
- Hillary Clinton
Locations
- Chicago
- United States