One minute read. Written by Nayantara Singh – a grade 6 student.

Albert Uderzo was a French artist, who was one of the creators of the world famous comic series, Asterix. Also known as The Adventures of Asterix, these comics are set in the time of Julius Caesar (50 BC).

The series star a boy named Asterix, who, with the help of various concoctions and potions, defends his village from the Romans. It is an extremely popular series, and it has been translated into 111 languages and dialects! 13 films have been made based on this comic, and there is even an Asterix theme park!

Asterix was first started by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. René was the writer for this series, and Albert the illustrator. In 1959, the Asterix comic made its first appearance in a French comic magazine called Pilote. In 1961, Asterix first appeared in the form of a book.

In 1977, unfortunately René Goscinny passed away at only the age of 51! He died of a cardiac arrest (sudden loss of blood , which causes the heart to malfunction). From then on, till 2011, Albert wrote and drew for the Asterix series. In 2011, Albert retired and the writing was handed over to writer, Jean-Yves Ferri. The illustration was done by Didier Conrad.

So, enough about the Asterix, now let me tell you about Albert Uderzo’s life.

Albert Aleandro Uderzo, popularly known as Albert Uderzo, was born on the 25^th of April, 1927 to Silvio and Iria Uderzo . He was born in Fismes, which is in north-east France. His father was a carpenter, and his job required Albert and his family to move locations regularly. Here is a fun fact; Albert was born with 6 fingers on each hand! His parents got the 6^th finger removed when Albert was young.

In 1929, when Albert’s family moved to Clichy-sous-Bois in eastern France, they were looked down upon, as they were Italian immigrants. Later, in 1934, the family gained citizenship of France. Albert first started drawing in kindergarten. He was extremely talented for his age. Soon after, Albert realised that he was colour blind!. However, this did not affect his career at all.

After finishing a primary education at the age of just 13, Albert followed his brother, Bruno and became an aircraft engineer. While doing so, he also contacted Walt Disney and other American cartoon studios. It was in Albert’s aircraft travels, that he met René Goscinny. They became fast friends, and started working together in 1952, when they created Oumpah-pah. They then went on to create Asterix!

Albert married Ada Milani in 1953, and they had one daughter, Sylvie Uderzo.

Unfortunately, Albert Uderzo passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, 24^th March 2020. He was 92 years old!! He died after he had suffered a heart attack.

So, in memory of Albert Uderzo, why don’t we all read Asterix if we have not already!!