How did a simple wedding design give rise to an empire? Philippe Geluck told the incredible story of the Cat, which became a global phenomenon…
Philippe Geluck, the Belgian designer, continues to make waves with his emblematic character, The Cat, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. On the occasion of the release of the 24th album, The Cat and the 40 Candles, the artist returned to the origins of the character, born from a drawing made on the occasion of his marriage in 1981, in the show C to you.
How did Philippe Geluck’s marriage give birth to the Cat?
A success that he owes to the love he has for his wife. Indeed, Le Chat was born thanks to the marriage of its creator. “In 1981, I got married and, to thank the guests, I drew a card on which we see a Mrs. Cat then a Mr. Cat who offers her his matrimonial tributes”he explained. “Three years later, when I had to invent a character, I thought of this cat again.”
Today, The Cat is much more than a simple comic book character. With more than 15 million copies sold, he has established himself as one of the emblematic figures of Franco-Belgian comics. Philippe Geluck had not anticipated this success. “I never imagined earning a living so well doing the job I love”he admits in Paris Match. In addition to albums, The Cat is available on various derivative products such as calendars and posters, and it was even exhibited in XXL on the Champs-Élysées in 2021.
Philippe Geluck, rich thanks to Chat: “I didn’t expect to earn my living so well”
The Cat, Philippe Geluck's emblematic character, brought a real fortune to his creator. Thanks to millions of albums sold, derivative products such as calendars and posters, as well as prestigious exhibitions, notably on the Champs-Élysées, the comedian has become a millionaire.
“I didn’t expect to make such a good living doing what I love,” admits Philippe Geluck. The success of Le Chat allowed the artist to transform his passion into a successful business, while continuing to create works that reach a wide audience and adapt to the evolution of society.
