Bringing the World of ‘Mary Worth’ to Life

Karen Moy, a Binghamton University alumna, has been the credited writer of the daily comic strip “Mary Worth” for over 20 years. The strip, which debuted in 1938, follows the life of Mary Worth, a former teacher living in fictional Santa Royale, Calif. Mary is known for helping her neighbors and friends navigate through various societal problems with her experience and compassion.

Moy, who initially studied art and creative writing at Binghamton, found her passion for storytelling through her work on “Mary Worth.” She took over as the writer in 2004 and has since collaborated with artists to bring the strip to life. The current illustrator, June Brigman, has been instrumental in capturing the essence of the continuity strip.

The strip’s storylines often tackle serious subjects such as loneliness, alcoholism, workplace harassment, and romance scams. Despite the challenging deadlines, Moy finds joy in the writing process, drawing inspiration from everyday life and music. She believes that the combination of good art and writing will always attract readers.

Moy’s dedication to “Mary Worth” stems from her desire to uplift and enlighten readers, much like the character of Mary herself. As she continues to write new stories for the strip, Moy hopes to reach both new and old fans with engaging and thought-provoking content.

With a deep connection to the characters and themes of “Mary Worth,” Karen Moy remains committed to bringing the beloved comic strip to life for years to come.