How old is Popeye?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

Well, let me tell you, Popeye is quite an interesting character. According to Bud Sagendorf, the writer and artist who took over the Popeye comic strip after its creator E.C. Segar passed away, Popeye is 34 years old. Now, that might come as a surprise to some, considering he’s been around for almost a century, but that’s the official word.

In terms of his physical appearance, Popeye stands at a height of 5’6″ and weighs in at a solid 158 lbs. That might not seem like much, but when you consider his incredible strength and muscle mass, it’s quite impressive.

Now, here’s where things get a little tricky. In the cartoon “Popeye in Goonland,” which was made in 1938, Popeye mentions that he hasn’t seen his Pappy since birth, 40 years ago. So, if we do a little math, that would put Popeye’s actual birth in 1898. That means he would be over 120 years old by now! But, of course, we have to take into account that Popeye is a fictional character, and his age has been retconned and adjusted over the years to fit the narrative.

In any case, Popeye’s age is not the most important aspect of his character. What truly defines Popeye is his indomitable spirit, his love for spinach, and his unwavering sense of justice. He’s a hero who always stands up for the little guy and never backs down from a fight. And let’s not forget his iconic catchphrase, “I yam what I yam, and that’s all that I yam!”

So, whether Popeye is 34, 120, or somewhere in between, his age is just a number. What really matters is the impact he has had on popular culture and the timeless lessons he teaches us about strength, bravery, and doing what’s right.