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Meet Fred Wagner

Fred Wagner is the creator of ANIMAL CRACKERS, the comic strip that takes a look at the foibles of that most curious of animals -- man. With its cast of jungle characters including Lyle Lion, Eugene the Elephant, the Gnu and Dodo, ANIMAL CRACKERS combines whimsical drawing and insightful commentary on the human condition.

Wagner was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and attended the Memphis Academy of Art. In addition to ANIMAL CRACKERS, he also creates the comic panel "Grin and Bear It" with Ralph Dunagin. He served as creator for the strip "Catfish" for Tribune Media Services and also worked at The Orlando Sentinel as an artist in their electronic information and art departments. Early in his career, he spent five years living as a sculptor in Memphis.

Wagner's awards for his art include one from Editor & Publisher for best color illustration and from the Orlando Press Club for best editorial cartoon.

ANIMAL CRACKERS has been syndicated since 1968. The strip has won numerous awards including the European "Max" for best comic strip. The memorable characters have been licensed for many different products, including a long-running licensing relationship with American Greetings. In August of 1998, the ANIMAL CRACKERS animated series by CINAR Films and Alphanim made its U. S. debut on the Fox Family Channel, having appeared on TELETOON in Canada since fall 1997. The strip was originally created by Roger Bollen.

Wagner lives in Winter Park, Florida, and has two children and two grandchildren.