National Cartoonist Society Recognizes Chance and Chris Browne with Medals of Honor
At the 79th Annual Reuben Awards in Boston on August 15, 2025, the National Cartoonists Society will posthumously award the NCS Medal of Honor to Robert “Chance” Browne and Christopher “Chris” Browne, in recognition of their career excellence and enduring contributions to the art of cartooning.
Sons of the legendary Dik Browne, and talented artists in their own right, Chance and Chris are renowned for carrying forward their father’s creative legacy with heart, humor, and craftsmanship. Chris, in addition to his own cartooning projects and early work on Hi and Lois, took the helm of Hägar the Horrible in 1989, guiding the beloved Viking strip with his sharp wit and distinctive style. Chance, also a gifted painter and musician, brought warmth and vitality to Hi and Lois, which he illustrated for more than three decades following their father’s passing.
Beyond their individual achievements, Chance and Chris embodied the spirit of the cartooning community. Their close friendship with the Walker family—co-creators of Hi and Lois—along with their deep connections among fellow cartoonists, reflected a lifelong dedication to the profession. Together, the Browne brothers shared their creative gifts while ensuring that two of America’s most iconic comic strips remained fresh, relevant, and widely loved.
While we deeply regret that this recognition comes after their passing—Chris in 2023 and Chance in 2024—we are proud to celebrate their legacy. The Browne family’s contribution to cartooning spans generations, and through their families and collaborators, that legacy will continue to bring humor and heart to readers around the world.
Chance and Chris, with their father Dik. Photo provided by Sally Boeras-Browne
