How Al Jaffee Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2025

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Al Jaffee—a timeline of influence.

Al Jaffee (born Allan Jaffee) was a highly influential American cartoonist, best known for his long-standing contributions to Mad magazine. For 65 years, he created the iconic Mad Fold-in, a back-cover feature requiring readers to fold the page to reveal a hidden image and joke. Jaffee was Mad's longest-running contributor, solidifying his legacy in the world of satire and cartooning. His work was a staple of American humor for generations. His humor was described to be dry, as seen in his quote: "Serious people my age are dead."

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1964: The Mad Fold-In Collection Time Span

The Mad Fold-In Collection: 1964–2010 was released.

August 2008: NY1 Feature

In August 2008, Jaffee was interviewed for an NY1 feature about his career, where he reflected on reinventing oneself and persevering through dark days.

2008: Jaffee's Process

In 2008, Jaffee described that he never sees the finished Fold-In painting folded until it's printed in the magazine, relying on his visual mind to see the two sides.

2010: Al Jaffee's Mad Life biography published

In 2010, Al Jaffee's biography, Al Jaffee's Mad Life, written by Mary-Lou Weisman, was published.

2010: The Mad Fold-In Collection Time Span

The Mad Fold-In Collection: 1964–2010 was released.

2011: Fold-In Recognition

In 2011, Jaffee realized that he had created an English language word when Jeopardy! contestants correctly identified a Fold-In.

July 2013: Inducted into Will Eisner Hall of Fame

In July 2013, Al Jaffee was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame during San Diego Comic-Con. The award was accepted by Sam Viviano on his behalf.