Chance Browne, longtime illustrator of the comic strip “Hi & Lois,” died peacefully at home in Connecticut on March 1, 2024, at the age of 75.
Born Robert David Browne in New York City on June 17, 1948, Chance was the eldest child of Joan Kelly Browne and the cartoonist Dik Browne. He inherited prodigious drawing skills from his father, who was the original “Hi & Lois” illustrator and created the comic strip “Hägar the Horrible.”
Chance and his siblings grew up in South Orange, NJ, and Wilton, among Dik’s fellow cartoonists and a cohort of famous writers, artists, and radio and television personalities. When “Hägar” debuted in newspapers in 1973, the rest of the Browne family served as editors for every gag over the following decade.
Chance studied painting at Park College in Missouri and the School of Visual Arts in New York. Moving to Harvard Square and then to Burlington, VT in the late 1970s, he broadened his artistic scope by working as a graphic artist, ad-agency jingle writer/musician, and studio player while performing with several rock and blues bands in New England and beyond.
These dual artistic paths continued through Chance’s cartooning career wherever he resided. He raised three daughters with his wife, Debra, moving to Sarasota, FL, and finally settling in his hometown of Wilton in 1989. Earning a reputation among musicians as a first-rate guitarist, he played alongside such blues greats as B.B. King, Albert Collins, Junior Wells, and Mark Naftalin, as well as folk legends Jim Rooney and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He performed in blues festivals, special concerts and gigs in numerous venues for over six decades. He recorded the album Bluesville in 1993 with guest players Johnnie Johnson and the Uptown Horns.
Highly skilled in fine arts, Chance portrayed a range of subjects in his work, from pickup trucks to ink bottles, landscapes, architectural studies, and the people he loved. Many of his paintings, drawings and multimedia pieces can be viewed on his website.
Chance is survived by his wife, Debra Kaslove Browne; children Rachel Browne (Joseph D’Agostino), Robin Browne (Zachary Willis), and Zoë Browne; sister Sally Browne-Boeras (Rico Boeras); 10 nieces and nephews; and four grand-nephews. He was predeceased last year by his brother, “Hägar the Horrible” illustrator Chris Browne.
To see Chance’s art and listen to Bluesville, visit his website. A celebration of life will be held this summer for friends and family, with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Lustgarten Foundation.
Very sad and unexpected news. When the Browns were living in Sarasota Fl. he was a favorite in the musicians circles. Always toting his guitar to gatherings he seamlessly eased in to any jam that was happening whether it was 2 or 10 musicians. A talented gentle soul he will be missed. Rock on Chance.
Blessings & Light on your new adventure Chance 🌹.
Such a gentle soul. He radiated kindness, both one on one, and the moment he walked on stage. He held the entire audience together with his brilliant musicianship and his smile. His artwork is sublime. His paintings and cartooning. I feel so privileged to have known him. My husband is going to miss him every time he gets on a stage without Chance. Rest in paradise dear Chance. We, your friends and family hold you forever in our hearts.
Chance took so many under his wing and never required a thank you, he touched all that knew him❤️🎶
Our hearts are with you during this transitional time Deb.
The great memories of Chance leading the Georgetown Saloon house band on Thursday open mike night during the heyday are indelible…RIP Chance and thank you for playing for us all those nights and years