Frank “Rocky” Fiegel
Popeye, the creation of E.C. Segar is based on a real life person. Frank “Rocky” Fiegel. Fiegel was a local tough guy in Chester, Illinois and really looks a lot like the cartoon Popeye.
“Rocky” Fiegel, was the inspiration for the spinach-eating sailor himself. Fiegel, a lifetime bachelor born in 1868, was a local legend, feared for his ability to render a good butt whooping even when attacked by several adversaries at once.
Fiegel worked at a local saloon. After his shift (and a few 
beers) he would bring a chair outside, put his corncob pipe in his mouth and take a nap in the sun. The sleeping Rocky became the subject of torment for schoolchildren who would creep near, scream and then run. Rocky would pop out of the chair, fists already flailing and ready for a fight.
1 comment
I think I might be related to him. My name is destiny fiegel my dad has always told me that maybe we are related to the maker of Popeye, but what really makes me bielive this is true is on the related part of this website. “Edward, ed, George Etten- died December 23 2014. That is my grandpa etten who just passed, he is on this list for related people to surch for from frank fiegel. This is unbelievable ☺