Pierre Culliford (25 June 1928 – 24 December 1992), better known by his pen name Peyo, was a celebrated Belgian comics artist and writer, most famous as the creator of The Smurfs. Originally introduced in the Johan and Peewit series, the blue-skinned forest dwellers quickly outgrew their origin and became a global franchise encompassing comic books, television series, films, and a vast merchandising empire.
Pierre Culliford (Peyo)
- Full Name: Pierre Culliford
- Pen Name: Peyo
- Born: 25 June 1928, Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium
- Died: 24 December 1992 (aged 64), Brussels, Belgium
- Nationality: Belgian
- Occupation: Comics artist, writer
- Spouse: Nine Culliford (m. 1952)
- Children: Véronique Culliford, Thierry Culliford
- Notable Works: The Smurfs, Johan and Peewit, Poussy, Benoît Brisefer
- Awards: 1984 Youth Prize at Angoulême International Comics Festival; 2008 Belgian 5 Euro commemorative coin
Early Life and Education
Born in Schaerbeek, a suburb of Brussels, Belgium, Pierre Culliford—later known by his pen name Peyo—was the son of an English father and a Belgian mother. His upbringing in a bilingual household exposed him early to a range of cultural influences, which later surfaced in his storytelling. Peyo showed an early aptitude for drawing and visual expression, often sketching humorous characters and fantastical creatures as a child.
Encouraged by his family, he pursued formal training at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, where he studied decorative arts. His education emphasized both classical drawing techniques and modern artistic practices, equipping him with the skills that would define his future in comics. During his studies, Peyo was particularly drawn to animation and caricature, inspired by both American animated cartoons and European satirical illustration.
After graduation, he joined the Compagnie Belge d’Actualités (CBA), a short-lived Belgian animation studio that produced wartime newsreels and short animated features. There, Peyo collaborated with a close-knit group of young artists, including André Franquin, Morris, and Eddy Paape—future luminaries of Franco-Belgian comics. The camaraderie and creative exchange at CBA proved pivotal, laying the foundation for the visual style and collaborative ethos of the Marcinelle school to which Peyo would contribute significantly.
Early Career
Following the closure of CBA after World War II, Peyo began creating comic strips for Belgian newspapers, including La Dernière Heure and Le Soir. To supplement his income, he also undertook various commercial illustration projects, including advertising and promotional material, which helped him hone his distinctive style. One of his earliest and most beloved creations during this time was Poussy, a gag-a-day comic about a mischievous black-and-white cat whose daily antics quickly gained popularity with readers.
In 1952, with the encouragement and direct support of André Franquin—already an established cartoonist at the time—Peyo was introduced to the editorial team at the influential Spirou magazine published by Dupuis. His entry into Spirou marked a major turning point in his career. There, he launched the medieval adventure series Johan, drawing inspiration from European folklore, Arthurian legend, and classic tales of heroism.
The character of Johan, a brave and loyal page to the king, quickly became a regular feature in the magazine, praised for its narrative richness and detailed artwork. The series gained a new dynamic in 1954 with the introduction of Peewit (Pirlouit), a comically stubborn and musical dwarf companion, transforming the strip into Johan and Peewit and laying the groundwork for what would become the Smurfs’ debut story several years later.
Johan and Peewit
Set in a mythical version of the European Middle Ages, Johan and Peewit followed the exploits of a noble page and his eccentric dwarf companion as they journeyed to uphold justice. The duo quickly became a staple of Spirou, captivating readers with its blend of humor, fantasy, and action. It was within this series that the Smurfs made their first appearance in the 1958 story La Flûte à six schtroumpfs (The Smurfs and the Magic Flute).
The Rise of the Smurfs
The Smurfs—small, blue-skinned, white-capped creatures living in a hidden forest village—captured readers’ imaginations with their whimsical language, lighthearted storytelling, and strong sense of community. Introduced in the 1958 Johan and Peewit adventure “La Flûte à six schtroumpfs,” the Smurfs became an instant sensation. Their universal appeal soon transcended their original series, leading to the launch of a dedicated comic book franchise in 1959.
The Smurf Village and Characters
At the heart of the Smurfs’ charm was their enchanted forest village, where each Smurf had a unique personality and role. From Papa Smurf, the wise leader, to Brainy Smurf, Jokey Smurf, Smurfette, and Hefty Smurf, the cast grew over the years to reflect a miniature society. Their speech was peppered with the word “Smurf,” humorously used as a noun, verb, and adjective, adding linguistic quirkiness that delighted young readers.
Cultural and Commercial Phenomenon
By the early 1960s, the Smurfs’ popularity was such that Peyo established a dedicated studio to manage the burgeoning franchise. Talented collaborators like François Walthéry, Marc Wasterlain, and Roland Goossens (Gos) joined the studio. Peyo, now acting as creative supervisor, delegated much of the illustration work, focusing instead on storytelling and overseeing the expansion of the Smurfs universe.
Family Legacy and IMPS
In the 1980s, Peyo’s children became involved in the business. His son, Thierry Culliford, began managing narrative development for the comics, ensuring continuity and quality, while his daughter Véronique took charge of branding and international merchandising. In 1985, she founded IMPS (International Merchandising Promotions & Services), which has since managed the global rights and licensing of all Smurfs-related properties.
The Smurfs grew into a multi-platform franchise encompassing comics, animated series, films, video games, toys, and books. Their endearing, cooperative way of life and playful vocabulary have helped them endure as beloved cultural icons across generations.
Global Expansion and Later Years
Merchandising for the Smurfs began in 1959 with plastic figurines and later expanded to music albums, toys, books, and international publishing. Their worldwide fame exploded with the success of the Smurfs animated TV series produced by Hanna-Barbera, which debuted in 1981 and ran for nearly a decade. Peyo served as story supervisor on the series.
Despite recurring health issues, Peyo remained involved in the Smurfs franchise into the late 1980s. After leaving Dupuis, he established his own publishing company, Cartoon Creation, and launched the magazine Schtroumpf! in 1989. However, the company faced financial difficulties and was short-lived. He joined publisher Le Lombard in 1992, but died of a heart attack on Christmas Eve that same year at the age of 64.
Personal Life
Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, married Nine Culliford in 1952. The couple had two children, Véronique and Thierry. Family played a significant role in both his personal and professional life. As his career progressed and the Smurfs franchise expanded, Peyo’s children became increasingly involved in managing and preserving his creative legacy. Thierry Culliford took on the responsibility of continuing the narrative direction of the Smurfs comics, while Véronique managed licensing and merchandising efforts globally. Despite the demands of his work, Peyo was known to be a warm and devoted family man who drew inspiration from his surroundings and personal experiences, often infusing his characters with the humor and values he cherished in real life.
Death
Pierre Culliford, known worldwide by his pen name Peyo, passed away on December 24, 1992, at the age of 64, after suffering a heart attack in Brussels. His death came just months after he had joined Le Lombard, hoping to reinvigorate his career with new publishing opportunities. Despite recurring health problems throughout the 1980s, Peyo remained creatively involved with the Smurfs universe up until his final days. His passing marked the end of a prolific era in Belgian comics, but his legacy was well secured through the foundation laid by his family and his extensive creative work.
Legacy
Since his passing, Peyo’s studio has continued producing new Smurfs comics and stories under the supervision of his family. In 2011, the Smurfs were featured in a Hollywood live-action/animated film where Peyo was referenced as a researcher studying their legends. His characters remain beloved cultural icons.
Awards and Honours
- 1984: Youth Prize (9–12 years), Angoulême International Comics Festival, France
- 2008: 50th anniversary of The Smurfs commemorated with a Belgian 5 euro collector coin
Selected Bibliography
- Poussy (1949–1977): Gag strip featured in Le Soir and Spirou
- Johan and Peewit (Johan et Pirlouit) (1952–1970): 13 albums by Dupuis
- The Smurfs (Les Schtroumpfs) (1959–present): Initially published in Spirou; expanded to standalone series
- Steven Strong (Benoît Brisefer) (1960–1978): 7 albums by Dupuis
- Jacky and Célestin (1960–1978): 10 stories in Le Soir, 4 albums
- Spirou & Fantasio (1969): Co-wrote one album with Gos, illustrated by Franquin and Jidéhem
Peyo’s endearing characters, innovative world-building, and commitment to visual storytelling have earned him an enduring place in European comics history.
FAQ about Peyo
Who is Pierre Culliford?
Pierre Culliford is a Belgian cartoonist who is better known by his pen name Peyo. He was born on June 25, 1928, in Brussels, Belgium.
What is Peyo best known for?
Peyo is best known for creating the iconic blue characters, the Smurfs.
When did Peyo create the Smurfs?
Peyo created the Smurfs in 1958.
What other cartoon characters did Peyo create?
Peyo created dozens of beloved cartoon characters and series, including Johan and Peewit, Benny Breakiron, and Jacky and Célestin.
What was Peyo's career like before creating the Smurfs?
Before creating the Smurfs, Peyo worked as a cartoonist for a variety of Belgian magazines and newspapers.
What was Peyo's legacy?
Peyo is remembered as one of the most influential cartoonists of the 20th century, and his creations continue to captivate audiences of all ages around the world.
When did Peyo pass away?
Peyo passed away on December 24, 1992, at the age of 64.
