Ask anyone if they know who Frank “Rocky” Fiegel, and you’re unlikely to get an affirmative response; Popeye on the other hand?
The world of cartoons has given us many unforgettable characters, but few have had the enduring popularity of Popeye the Sailor; perhaps the greatest figure in nautical culture!
Known for his distinctive voice, his love of spinach, and his unparalleled strength, Popeye has been a fixture of American pop culture for nearly a century.
While many recognize Popeye as a work of fiction, few are aware that this beloved character was actually inspired by a real person: Frank “Rocky” Fiegel.
In this article, we delve into the life of Frank “Rocky” Fiegel, uncovering how this humble man from Illinois came to be immortalized as one of the most iconic cartoon figures in history.
The early life of Frank Rocky Fiegel
Frank “Rocky” Fiegel was born in 1868 in Chester, Illinois, a small river town on the banks of the Mississippi River. The town was characterized by its rugged, blue-collar spirit, with much of the population working in nearby mills, factories, and on the river.
From an early age, Frank became known for his tough demeanor and impressive fighting ability, earning him the nickname “Rocky.” He wasn’t afraid of a brawl and was well known around Chester for his strength and willingness to stand up for himself or others.
Fiegel, who worked primarily as a bartender and laborer, was said to have an unusual look that made him stand out from the crowd. He had a distinctively chiseled jaw, a pipe that he always clenched between his teeth, and a squinty eye—all traits that would later be incorporated into the animated character of Popeye.
Although he wasn’t an imposing figure in terms of stature, Fiegel’s reputation for fighting skill was well established. Legend has it that he never backed down from a confrontation, even with men much larger than himself.
His aggressive yet good-natured persona made him a beloved figure in Chester, and many in the town came to know him not only for his fighting but also for his strong sense of justice.
E.C. Segar: The cartoonist and his inspiration
The story of how Frank “Rocky” Fiegel came to inspire Popeye begins with the life of Elzie Crisler (E.C.) Segar, the creator of Popeye. Born in Chester in 1894, Segar was well-acquainted with the town and its inhabitants.
As a young man, Segar would have encountered Fiegel, who by then had earned a local reputation. In the 1920s, Segar moved to New York to pursue a career in comics, where he created the comic strip Thimble Theatre.
Initially, Thimble Theatre was focused on a different set of characters, but in 1929, Segar introduced Popeye as a supporting character. The sailor’s popularity skyrocketed, and before long, Popeye had taken over the comic strip entirely.
Fans of the comic loved Popeye’s tough-talking, no-nonsense attitude, as well as his peculiar quirks: his squinty eye, his ever-present pipe, and his ability to gain superhuman strength from eating spinach.
While Popeye’s physical characteristics and mannerisms were exaggerated for comic effect, there was little doubt that Segar had modeled the character on Frank “Rocky” Fiegel.
The similarities were simply too strong to ignore. In fact, Fiegel himself became something of a local celebrity in Chester after Popeye’s debut, with many recognizing him as the inspiration for the beloved cartoon.
Popeye’s iconic traits: How Frank Rocky Fiegel influenced them
When looking at the character of Popeye, it becomes clear how much of Frank “Rocky” Fiegel’s persona found its way into the comic strip. Popeye’s most obvious physical trait—the pipe he is always seen smoking—was directly inspired by Fiegel.
The real Frank “Rocky” Fiegel was rarely seen without his corncob pipe, which he smoked even while working. In cartoons, Popeye is known to blow smoke through his pipe, creating shapes or even using it as a weapon, a humorous exaggeration of Fiegel’s constant use of his pipe.
Another characteristic that Popeye inherited from Fiegel was his iconic squint. While it is not known whether Fiegel had any medical condition that caused him to squint, those who knew him said that he had a habit of narrowing one eye when focusing intently. This became one of Popeye’s most famous facial expressions.
Fiegel’s fighting ability also played a key role in Popeye’s characterization. Known as a scrapper, Frank was reputed to be able to hold his own in a fight, much like Popeye does in countless cartoon episodes.
Segar capitalized on this aspect of Fiegel’s personality, making Popeye a fighter who could take on multiple opponents and win every time, particularly after consuming his spinach.
Spinach itself became an integral part of Popeye’s character, though there is no evidence that Fiegel had any particular fondness for the leafy vegetable!
The decision to make spinach Popeye’s source of strength was largely a creative choice by Segar, meant to encourage healthier eating habits among children. However, the association between spinach and Popeye’s superhuman strength became one of the most enduring elements of the character’s mythology.
Life after Popeye: Fiegel’s quiet legacy
Despite his fame as the real-life Popeye, Frank “Rocky” Fiegel never sought the limelight. He continued to live a relatively simple life in Chester, where he worked, smoked his pipe, and remained a fixture in the community.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that Fiegel profited financially from being the inspiration for Popeye, he seemed to take pride in the character that bore such a strong resemblance to him.
Fiegel passed away in 1947 at the age of 79. He was buried in Chester’s Evergreen Cemetery, and for many years, his grave went unmarked.
However, as Popeye’s fame continued to grow, fans and historians began to acknowledge Fiegel’s contribution to the creation of the character. In 1996, a headstone was finally placed on Fiegel’s grave, bearing an inscription that recognized him as the inspiration for Popeye.
Chester, Illinois, has since embraced its connection to the famous sailor. Every year, the town hosts the Popeye Picnic, a festival that celebrates both the cartoon character and the town’s rich history.
Statues of Popeye and other characters from Thimble Theatre have been erected throughout Chester, and visitors come from around the world to pay homage to the man who inspired one of the most beloved characters in popular culture.
The enduring appeal of Popeye
The character of Popeye has undergone many transformations since he first appeared in Thimble Theatre in 1929. From comic strips to animated cartoons, and even live-action films, Popeye has remained a constant in the world of entertainment.
His appeal lies in his simplicity: he’s a blue-collar hero who fights for what’s right and stands up for the underdog. He’s not polished or refined, but he is always sincere, a reflection of the man who inspired him.
Frank Rocky Fiegel’s legacy lives on through Popeye. Though he may not have been famous in life, his spirit, strength, and distinctive personality continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Through the lens of E.C. Segar’s creativity, Fiegel became immortalized as a symbol of perseverance, strength, and justice.
Conclusion
The story of Frank “Rocky” Fiegel, the real Popeye, reminds us of the ways in which ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact. Fiegel’s life, though unremarkable by conventional standards, inspired a character that has brought joy and laughter to generations.
As long as Popeye endures, so too will the memory of the tough, pipe-smoking, one-eyed man from Chester, Illinois. Frank Fiegel may have passed away many years ago, but his influence lives on in every “toot” of Popeye’s pipe and every spinach-fueled feat of strength.