Malta is mourning the death of renowned cartoonist, author and academic Professor Ġorġ Mallia, who died on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the age of 68. His passing has brought an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, former students, readers and public figures who remembered him as a creative force whose work touched generations of Maltese people.

Mallia was born in Qormi on November 9, 1957, and built an extraordinary career spanning illustration, children’s literature, journalism, communications and higher education. He studied English at the University of Malta, earning a BA with Honours in 1979, followed by a master’s degree in communications in 1994. He later obtained a PhD in Instructional Technology from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom in 2003.

At the University of Malta, Mallia became a respected academic and eventually headed the Department of Media and Communications. He began lecturing in communications in 1996 and continued to teach and mentor students for decades. Colleagues remembered him not only for his academic knowledge but also for his enthusiasm, warmth and ability to inspire young people entering the media and communications professions.

Beyond the university, Mallia became one of Malta’s best-known cartoonists. His distinctive style and sense of humour allowed him to comment on social and political issues while connecting with ordinary readers. His work appeared in Maltese newspapers and magazines, including the Times of Malta, where he created cartoons that became familiar to readers over many years.

His creative work also extended deeply into children’s literature. Mallia wrote and illustrated numerous books for young readers, helping introduce generations of Maltese children to stories and reading. His children’s work included the popular Pullu series, while he also produced other books, illustrations and literary projects throughout his career.

His contribution to Maltese culture was not limited to cartoons and books. Mallia was involved in broadcasting, publishing and communications projects and served as chairman of Malta’s National Book Council between 2005 and 2013. His work reflected a broad interest in storytelling and in the ways media could educate, entertain and influence society.

Following news of his death, Malta’s political and cultural community paid tribute to his contribution. Prime Minister Robert Abela described Mallia as a respected academic whose work left a lasting mark on Maltese media and literature, while European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said his work had become part of the fabric of Malta.

For many who knew his work, Mallia’s greatest legacy will be the generations he made laugh, think and read. His cartoons offered humour and commentary, his books encouraged young readers, and his teaching influenced future media professionals.

The death of Ġorġ Mallia marks the loss of a distinctive Maltese creative voice. At 68, he leaves behind a body of work that stretches across decades and disciplines, ensuring that his influence will continue through the readers, students and audiences who encountered his work.

His final smile may have come, but the drawings, stories and ideas he left behind will continue to speak for him.