Remembering John Graziano: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Cartoonist

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of John Graziano, former Ripley’s Believe It or Not! cartoonist, whose work touched millions around the world.

John Graziano’s journey with Ripley’s began in 2004, when he became the seventh cartoonist in the history of the iconic Ripley’s Believe It or Not! panel. John’s artistry brought to life the bizarre, the unbelievable, and the fascinating stories that Ripley’s has been known for since its inception. His unique style and dedication to his craft ensured that each panel captured the essence of the strange and wonderful, continuing a legacy that began in 1918 with Robert Ripley himself.

John often shared that he was, in a way, a “Believe It or Not” himself. Considering the journey he took to end up in the Ripley’s cartoonist’s chair, we have to agree.

John Graziano grew up on the outskirts of Newark, New Jersey. At the age of 15, he visited the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine, Florida, and was intrigued at how Robert Ripley made a living by telling strange and unbelievable stories in cartoon form. After this visit, he submitted samples of his work to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and received an encouraging reply to pursue his education and to reach out again in the future. John appreciated the advice and acted on it.

He majored in Illustration at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art in New Jersey. Following graduation, he started working for a T-shirt company as an illustrator. After 11 years, he contacted Ripley’s again, this time to pitch a licensing idea. Unbeknownst to him, Ripley’s was searching for a new cartoonist at the time. John was asked to submit his work for consideration, and Ripley’s swiftly offered him the job.

John’s first cartoon for Ripley’s was featured in a Sunday panel published on June 27, 2004. It was an illustration of one of the world’s tallest men at the time, drawn in a style very reminiscent of Robert Ripley’s work. Soon, John was crafting entire panels of multiple facts. He brought his unique touch and passion to the cartoon every day for about 17 years — one of the longest-running spans as the Ripley's cartoonist.

But his contributions to Ripley’s went beyond his artistic talents with the cartoon panel. He was frequently seen at conventions and events, taking the time to talk with fans and even draw caricatures. He also worked on many Ripley’s books, including a series of picture books that he hand-painted in watercolor.

“I truly have a passion for what I do. To me, it’s not a job. Ripley said it himself: when you get up in the morning and you’re doing what you love to do, you feel like you’re not working. And that’s how it is, and that’s how it’s been. I sincerely hope I am doing him proud.” – John Graziano, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 100 Years

It’s this dedication that led John to the 73rd Annual National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards as a 2018 Divisional Award nominee in the Variety Entertainment category. In 2021, his final year as the Ripley’s cartoonist, he was nominated once again — and won.

John was kind and generous, always willing to share his knowledge and passion with others. A tour of Ripley’s headquarters was not complete without a stop at John’s desk. He would proudly show off the panel he was currently illustrating and delight visitors with a funny story from his many years at Ripley’s; he loved to make people laugh.

As we reflect on John’s life and career, we remember the joy and wonder he brought to so many. John Graziano and his art will live on in the countless panels that are forever part of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! history, as well as in the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Thanks, John, for everything.