Speaker: Cathy Guisewite

April 2, 2002

Cartoonist of Nationally Syndicated Comic Strip Cathy

In 1976, Cathy Guisewite became the first woman to break the "paper ceiling" of the comic pages with her comic strip "Cathy", the first widely syndicated humor strip by a female cartoonist. Cathy is read by millions of fans in some 1,500 newspapers. The strip was revolutionary not only because it starred a female, but also because it was so emotionally honest about the conflicting feelings that many women had in 1976.

The topics may have changed over the years from issues like the right to work to the difficulties associated with having a career and a family, but the themes remain the same. Ms. Guisewite identified these themes as "the four basic guilt groups - food, love, mom and work." Although Ms. Guisewite's life has changed in many ways since she began the comic strip, she insists that she and her character share many of the same challenges in life. "We are both trying to be dynamic business people, nurturing homeowners, loving partners, environmentally correct citizens, financial wizards, loyal friends, community activists, great parents (Cathy to her dog), and a size 5 all at once. Also, we're trying to find the appropriate outfit and matching shoes for each life role."

Ms. Guisewite is the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Reuben Award for "Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year" from the National Cartoonists Society in 1993. The strip has also been nominated for "Best Comic Strip" on many occasions. In 1987, Guisewite received an Emmy for "Outstanding Animated Program" for her first animated special, "CATHY," and two more specials have been broadcast, "CATHY's Last Resort" and "CATHY's Valentine," both receiving high acclaim from critics. In 2001, Guisewite was presented a Genesis Award from the Ark Trust Foundation for her comic strips promoting animal issues such as anti-fur usage and adoption of older animals from shelters.