Pierre Culliford, AKA Peyo (1928)

Born Pierre Culliford, Belgian comics artist Peyo is known for creating Les Schtroumpfs, better known to English speakers as The Smurfs. The little, blue characters debuted in a supporting role in Peyo’s series Johan and Peewit and then began appearing on their own in 1959. Smurf merchandise, particularly figurines, along with animated films and television shows, helped their popularity soar, and the Smurfs became an international phenomenon. How did Peyo get his pseudonym? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary