Harold Hamgravy, better known as Ham Gravy, is an American comics character from the ''
Thimble Theatre
Popeye the Sailor Man is a fictional cartoon character created by Elzie Crisler Segar.Popeye'') series, created in 1919 by E. C. Segar.
Ham Gravy was the original fiancé of the better-known character Olive Oyl, but was often attracted to other women who were considerably wealthy. Ham was depicted as a slacker who preferred getting rich quick rather than earning money honestly. He was likewise heavily defined in-universe by the considerable size of his nose, often a subject of mockery to other characters. While initially the main protagonist of the strip, Ham was increasingly supplanted by Olive's brother
Castor Oyl
Castor Oyl is a fictional character, created in 1920 by cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar for his comic strip ''Thimble Theatre'', now known as ''Popeye''.
Castor Oyl is Olive Oyl's older brother, debuting in ''Thimble Theatre'' on January 14, 1 ...
during the mid-1920s as the latter's characterization evolved into more of an everyman, although Ham nonetheless retained a focal role in several storylines during this period.
In a later strip, Castor and Ham hired a sailor named Popeye to man his ship for a treasure hunt. Intended as a minor supporting character, Popeye proved so popular with readers that he was made a permanent member of the main cast. As Popeye's role expanded, Ham was increasingly phased out of the comic, with the sailor ultimately replacing him as the subject of Olive Oyl's affections following a series of Sunday strips in March 1930. Following two background appearances in May 1930, Ham vanished as a regular altogether; while he made occasional appearances in the later ''Popeye'' strips, he never regained comparable prominence.
Ham makes a supporting appearance in the 1980 film, '' Popeye'', where Olive has recently left him and has since begun dating
Bluto
Bluto, at times known as Brutus, is a cartoon and comics character created in 1932 by Elzie Crisler Segar as a one-time character, named "Bluto the Terrible", in his ''Thimble Theatre'' comic strip (later renamed ''Popeye''). Bluto made his fi ...
at the film's opening. He was played by
Bill Irwin
William Mills Irwin (born April 11, 1950) is an American actor, clown, and comedian. He began as a vaudeville-style stage performer and has been noted for his contribution to the renaissance of American circus during the 1970s. He has made a num ...