Al Hirschfeld was born on June 21, 1903 in St. Louis, Missouri. From a young age, Hirschfeld showed a talent and passion for drawing. He studied drawing at the Art Students League of New York and by the age of 17, he had already become the art director at Selznick International Pictures.
Hirschfeld's career as a caricaturist took off in the early 1920s. He began drawing for various publications, including The New York Times, where he would become known for his unique style of capturing the essence of his subjects with just a few simple lines. Hirschfeld's caricatures of celebrities and Broadway stars, such as Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, and the cast of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' quickly gained him recognition in the art world.
One of Hirschfeld's most famous works is 'Minnelli on Minnelli,' a collection of caricatures of Hollywood legend Liza Minnelli. His 1963 caricature of Allen Funt, the host of TV's 'Candid Camera,' for CBS caused quite a stir when Funt threatened to quit the network over it. Despite this, Hirschfeld continued to push boundaries with his art, always striving to capture the essence of his subjects in a unique and creative way.
In 1943, Hirschfeld married his first wife, the European actress Dolly Haas. Together, they had a daughter named Nina. The marriage eventually ended, and in 1996, Hirschfeld married theatre historian Louise Kerz.
Throughout his career, Hirschfeld's work appeared on the cover of numerous magazines and newspapers. His caricature of Ernest Hemingway on the cover of American Mercury magazine is considered one of his most iconic pieces. He also once drew a caricature of the legendary Rudolph Valentino.
Al Hirschfeld's impact on the world of caricature and art cannot be overstated. His unique style and ability to capture the essence of his subjects in just a few lines have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest caricaturists of all time.
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