Steve Purcell

Steve Purcell, born in 1961, is a multifaceted American artist known for his work as a cartoonist, animator, and voice actor. He is best recognized as the creator of the beloved media franchise Sam & Max, which has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. In 2007, Purcell was honored with an Eisner Award for his contributions to the animated series, showcasing his talent and creativity in the field.

A graduate of the California College of Arts and Craft in Oakland, California, Purcell began his artistic journey in 1982, initially creating comic strips for his college newsletter. His career took off as he ventured into freelance work for Marvel Comics and Fishwrap Productions, eventually leading to the publication of his first Sam & Max comic in 1987.

In 1988, Purcell joined LucasArts as an artist and animator, where he played a pivotal role in developing several iconic adventure games, including the first two Monkey Island titles, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Sam & Max Hit the Road. His collaboration with Nelvana in 1997 resulted in the creation of a Sam & Max television series, further expanding the franchise's reach.

After his tenure at LucasArts, Purcell briefly worked as an animator for Industrial Light & Magic before making a significant impact at Pixar. There, he co-wrote and co-directed the acclaimed 2012 film Brave and contributed to the development of the Cars franchise miniseries, Cars on the Road, solidifying his status as a versatile and influential figure in the animation industry.