Sam Norkin: 1917-2011

Click for a closer look at Sam’s NCS bio

Illustrator, caricaturist and long-time member of the National Cartoonists Society Sam Norkin passed away on Saturday, June 30th from natural causes. He was 94. Sam was known for his caricature illustrations from the world of theater, dance, opera, music performances and just about every other type of entertainment taking place on a stage. His work appeared in Variety, Backstage, the New York Daily News and countless other magazines and newspapers over a career that spanned seven decades. Sam also did live caricatures at events and fundraisers, where he was known to be able to crank them out in under five minutes. Although many caricature illustrators got their start doing live work at parties, fairs and theme parks, it’s rare to see one of Sam’s accomplishments keep doing the live work. Much respect for that.

I never got the pleasure of meeting Sam. He never attended a Reubens in the time I was a member to my knowledge. He was an icon in the caricature world, however. Rest in Peace.