Mark Evanier once recounted a great tale about Russ who had flown into Chicago to the Playboy Mansion and was given a room there, where he spent many days aiding Harvey Kurtzman and artist Will Elder in getting one installment done of their Little Annie Fanny strip. When it was completed, Kurtzman and Elder left...but Heath just stayed. And stayed. And stayed some more. He had a free room as well as free meals whenever he wanted them from Hef's 24-hour kitchen. He also had access to whatever young ladies were lounging about...so he thought, 'Why leave?' He decided to live there until someone told him to get out...and for months, no one did. Everyone just kind of assumed he belonged there. It took quite a while before someone realized he didn't and threw him and his drawing table out.
The Catacombs extends its sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans worldwide.
Sad that so many of the greats are passing. At least some of the older creators got to see the glory days of huge movies and conventions where they were given recognition.
ReplyDeleteWasn't overly familiar with his work until recently, but definitely one of the greats.
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