Dale Messick; Her ‘Brenda Starr’ Reporter Provided a Role Model
LA Times
Dale Messick, a comic book artist who created the glamorous, red-haired Brenda Starr, has died. She was 98.
Messick, whose “Brenda Starr, Star Reporter” strip ran in 250 newspapers at its peak in the 1950s, died Tuesday, said her daughter, Starr Rohrman, who had been caring for her mother in Sonoma County. Messick suffered a stroke in 1998.
Brenda had everything: brains, beauty and brashness. She was pursued by droves of millionaires, from Cash Wallstreet to the mysterious Basil St. John. She got the best stories at the Globe (later the Flash) newspaper.
She wore the most fabulous clothes, often with hats and matching open-toe shoes. And she didn’t put up with anybody’s nonsense, even her managing editor’s.
The strip, which began its run in 1940, was one of the first created by a woman. Its feisty leading lady provided a role model for ambitious women years before the women’s movement was a glint in Gloria Steinem’s eye.
Brenda Starr, girl reporter;: An original story based on the famous newspaper strip “Brenda Starr”
Brenda Starr Reporter
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