Jeff Darcy, a prominent editorial cartoonist, has announced his retirement after nearly 40 years of creating impactful political cartoons for Cleveland publications, including the last 32 years at The Plain Dealer. His departure marks the end of an era, as he is only the fourth primary editorial cartoonist in the newspaper’s history and the first for Cleveland.com.
Legacy of Influence and Recognition
Throughout his career, Darcy’s work has been featured in major outlets such as Fox News, Good Morning America, Time, and the New York Times. His cartoons have not only resonated with local audiences but have also reached international readers through publications like the Japan edition of Newsweek. In 2013, he earned recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Cartooning, alongside his induction into the Cleveland Press Club Hall of Fame.
Darcy’s journey began at Sun Newspapers, where he gained early experience under editor Mike McNulty. His keen political insights and unique style quickly caught the attention of various media outlets. As he transitioned to the Cleveland Edition, his work began to stand out, particularly during the tenure of then-Mayor Mike White.
A Personal Connection to Cleveland
Darcy’s relationship with The Plain Dealer dates back to his childhood. Growing up in a household that subscribed to the newspaper, he fondly recalls helping his older brother, Mike, deliver papers in their Fairview Park neighborhood. That experience would later prepare him for the often challenging task of receiving reader feedback on his cartoons.
In a pivotal moment for his career, Darcy approached Dennis Ryerson, the editorial page editor at The Plain Dealer, seeking feedback on his work. Ryerson’s encouragement led to Darcy being considered as a successor to Ray Osrin when he eventually retired in 1993. Darcy embraced this opportunity, and under the guidance of Brent Larkin, he took on the role of editorial cartoonist for the paper.
Reflecting on his career, Darcy expressed immense gratitude for the support from readers, noting that, at the time comments were discontinued, his posts had averaged over 1,000 responses. He emphasized that the engagement with his audience was more rewarding than any accolades he received.
Looking Ahead
As Darcy steps away from the drawing board, he leaves behind a rich legacy filled with thought-provoking commentary on local and national issues, including significant events like the 9/11 attacks, the rise of Barack Obama, and the tumultuous political landscape of recent years. His final cartoons serve as a testament to his skill and dedication, capturing moments that have shaped not only Cleveland but the wider world.
Darcy’s departure is a significant moment for Cleveland’s media landscape, marking the end of a chapter for editorial cartoons at The Plain Dealer and leaving a void that will be hard to fill. As he reflects on his nearly four-decade journey, he leaves behind a body of work that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.
