The spinach-munching-fist-fighting-sailor from our childhood is no doubt an iconic character. The inspiration for this strongman has reportedly come from a Chester, Illinois (the creator's hometown) local, Frank “Rocky” Fiegel, a small and wiry, but tough guy. Fiegel smoked a pipe, was toothless and participated in many fights, just like the character. It is said that he'd been kind to children, although died childless and was buried in a lot that's marked by an engraving of the iconic character on the headstone.