Harvey Pekar Dead at 70

Harvey Pekar, as he was seen and remembered.

Harvey Pekar, probably best known for the film “American Splendor” where he was portrayed by Oscar-winning actor Paul Giamatti, has been found dead in his Cleveland home. He was 70.

Harvey was cantankerous, combative, and a contrarian. He had his personal character flaws, angst, depression and demons, which he channeled through an often overlooked and even more often underutilized medium to create something that people who otherwise felt utterly alone and broken identified with. Some will view him as an incessant complainer, but millions read his work on the monotony of life and everyday things that made him miserable, and if even for a brief moment, felt they had someone that spoke for them. Or, at the very least, with them.

And that’s the best kind of art.

Rest in peace, Harvey.