Harold Gray was an American cartoonist best known for creating the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie. Born on January 20, 1894, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he began his career in illustration and eventually transitioned to comic strips. Gray's work on Little Orphan Annie started in 1924 and became a significant part of American pop culture, known for its themes of optimism and resilience. Gray's style was characterized by bold lines and expressive characters, which helped convey the emotional depth of his stories. The comic strip not only entertained readers but also reflected social issues of the time, including poverty and the Great Depression. Gray continued to work on Little Orphan Annie until his death on May 9, 1968.