Previous honorees include former Max Fleischer animator Gordon Sheehan, Cliff Holman a childrens television entertainer, and comic book artist George Wildman. His work on the Fleischer Popeye cartoons began in 1933 with the little sailors first appearance, and included many Popeye classics. That same year, Cousin Cliff Holman also received the award for his nearly 40 year run of a Popeye T.V. program. In 1994, George Wildman was honored for his work on the comic book adventures of Popeye during the 60s and 70s. The Official Popeye Fan Club membership weighs in at over 600 members strong, and includes professional animators, writers, artists, and just plain old Popeye fans.
Members get a quarterly newsletter, and advance notice of special events.