Animation came next for the cat, beginning in 1980 on the ABC network. Heathcliff has appeared in over 80 TV shows and in a full-length movie. There are over 50 Heathcliff books, with more than a million copies printed. George Gately was awarded the distinctive honour of having his cartoon art displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
The favourite cartoon panel was built on the classic humour of the pet ruling over the household. The outrageous cat has a full array of characteristics, from rude and amoral to fuzzy and loving and is a source of laughter and frustration for the family he lives with. (And for the bulldog, Spike, who lives next door to Heathcliff.)
The on-going creation of Heathcliff was a full-time career for George. In 1978, he hired an assistant, Bob Laughlin, to help with the artwork. He also made use of the artistic talents of his cartoonist brother, John. George Gately suffered from emphysema and a weight problem. On September 30, 2001 at the age of 72, he died of a heart attack at Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Cartooning continues to run in the Gallagher family. George had given up drawing Heathcliff a few years before his death, passing the famous tabby on to his nephew. Heathcliff continues to entertain his many fans under the creative pen of Peter Gallagher.
Catch Heathcliff daily: http://www.creators.com/comics_show.cfm?...
An obituary notice/biography about George Gately from Guardian Unlimited: http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/article...
A short biography: http://www.lambiek.net/gately_george.htm
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