Bob Dunn (March 5, 1908 – January 31, 1989) was an influential American cartoonist, entertainer, and gagwriter best known for his decades-long work on They’ll Do It Every Time and Little Iodine, as well as for inventing the modern knock-knock joke in 1936 Wikipedia+1.
Born Robert Joseph Dunn Jr. in Newark, New Jersey, Dunn showed early talent for drawing and storytelling. He studied at St. Anselm’s College and later trained at the Art Students League of New York, where he developed his illustration and draftsmanship skills grokipedia.com+1.
Early Work: Dunn began submitting gags to newspapers and magazines, and sold skits to Earl Carroll for Earl Carroll Vanities (1930–31) Wikipedia+1.
Invention of the Knock-Knock Joke: In 1936, he created the modern knock-knock joke format, popularized in Knock Knock: Featuring Enoch Knox, which sold over two million copies Wikipedia+1.
Comic Strips: He drew Just the Type for King Features Syndicate (1946–1963) and later became the primary illustrator and writer for They’ll Do It Every Time after Jimmy Hatlo’s death in 1963, collaborating with Al Scaduto Wikipedia+1. He also contributed to Little Iodine, co-producing its spin-off grokipedia.com.
Humor Books: Dunn authored several bestselling humor books, including I’m Gonna Be a Father, Hospital Happy, One Day in the Army, and Magic for All Wikipedia+1.
War Effort: During WWII, he created the Navy character Brassband Bixby and entertained troops with caricatures, magic, and card tricks Wikipedia+1.
Television: Dunn starred in early TV shows such as Face to Face (1946–1947) and Quick on the Draw (1950–1952), a celebrity panel game based on cartoon charades Wikipedia+1.
Reuben Award (1975) – Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year grokipedia.com+1.
Silver T-Square Award (1957) – Service to the profession grokipedia.com.
Multiple NCS Newspaper Panel Cartoon Awards for They’ll Do It Every Time Toons Mag.
Dunn’s precise line work, relatable humor, and versatility across print, radio, and television left a lasting impact on cartooning. His work on They’ll Do It Every Time and Little Iodine continues to be read worldwide, and his invention of the knock-knock joke remains a cultural touchstone