Nick Meglin, Longtime 'Heart' Of MAD Magazine, Dies In Durham

DURHAM, NC — Nick Meglin, the longtime witty editor at MAD Magazine, has died at his home in Durham. He was 82. Meglin's daughter, Diane Meglin, told The New York Times he died of a heart attack.

A June 2nd statement, the magazine's editor-in-chief and longtime friend John Ficarra said it's "impossible to over-estimate" Meglin's importance to the magazine. He served as editor from 1985 to 2004 and referred to his writers and editors as his “usual gang of idiots."

"For over 50 years he was, in the words of MAD’s founder and publisher, Bill Gaines, 'the heart of the magazine,'"said Ficarra. "More than just an editor, he was a finder and nurturer of many of MAD’s contributors, myself included. He was also a confidant, advisor and loyal friend."

Meglin was known for being a brilliant editor and a creative, funny writer who wasn't afraid to throw out a pun or two, including "George Washington Cross -Dressing the Delaware." The Times described Meglin as the publication's barometer who decided when the magazine had gone too far — or not far enough — in its satire. He was gregarious and nurturing, The Washington Post wrote, who wasn't afraid to insult employees, even if it was more often self-deprecating.

“Mad has always been a reflecting pond,” Meglin told The Times in 2001. “We help society look at itself. We don’t create, we respond to.”

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Magazine publisher William Gaines referred to Meglin in a 1989 note as the magazine's "soul and conscience," The Times reported. Cartoonist Al Jaffee said Meglin made his colleagues want to be better.

The magazine paved the way for other satirical shows and publications, The Washington Post wrote, including "Saturday Night Live," "The Simpsons," the Onion and "The Daily Show."

In addition to the magazine, Meglin loved sports — he was listed as "tennis editor" on his MAD business card — art, theatre, films and opera, said Ficarra.

According to The Times, Meglin is survived by his daughter, his partner, Linda Maloof and his son, Christopher, as well as three grandchildren, a sister, Joyce Wessel; and a brother, Albert.

Photo credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Mad Magazine