Drew Struzan: The Visionary Artist Behind Iconic Movie Posters Passes Away at 78

The Iconic Poster Artist Behind Star Wars, Blade Runner, and Back to the Future Has Left Us: Drew Struzan Passes Away at 78

In a devastating loss that has left fans around the world reeling, legendary poster artist Drew Struzan has passed away at the age of 78. The news was confirmed by his brother Greg Struzan on Instagram, bringing an end to the illustrious career of the man behind some of Hollywood's most iconic movie posters.

For over four decades, Struzan wowed audiences with his unmistakable style and skill, creating more than 150 film posters that have become ingrained in popular culture. From the nostalgic charm of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to the epic scope of Indiana Jones, Struzan's artwork has been synonymous with cinematic magic.

But Struzan's influence extends far beyond the realm of film. The American illustrator was a beloved artist in his own right, known for his stunning album covers that adorned the likes of The Beach Boys' "Surfing U.S.A." and Alice Cooper's "Welcome to My Nightmare" (ranked as one of Rolling Stone's top 100 album covers of all time). His work has been celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike, with many crediting him as a major inspiration.

However, Struzan's career was not without its challenges. In recent years, he had been battling Alzheimer's disease, stepping out of the spotlight after being diagnosed. As his condition worsened, his wife, Dylan, revealed that he could no longer paint or sign autographs for fans. The emotional update on Facebook showed a deep sense of love and commitment from the couple, with Dylan vowing to continue curating Drew's legacy.

As news of Struzan's passing spread, the art world came together to pay tribute to his remarkable career. DC president and Batman artist Jim Lee called him "a giant among giants," while Marvel artist J. Scott Campbell described the loss as "heartbreaking." Artist Orlando Arocena credited Struzan with inspiring his own creative path, saying he was motivated by the legendary poster artist's work.

But what made Struzan's art so special? According to an interview with Slashfilm in 2021, he believed that art was more than just telling a story – it was about evoking emotions and giving people something to hope for. "I'm looking to give a person a feeling about something they could hope for," he explained, adding that he always tried to find the best pictures of the actors and scenes and design compositions that were open-ended.

Struzan's journey began at an early age. Growing up in Oregon, he moved to California at just 18 years old to attend the ArtCenter College of Design. He worked his way through school by selling his artwork and accepting small commissions – a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

Throughout his career, Struzan received widespread acclaim from industry giants like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. The former even famously described him as his "favorite movie artist," admitting to feeling pressure to live up to the art that Struzan would create for posters. His documentary, Drew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013), showcased his life and career through interviews with himself, his family, and fellow artists.

As fans mourn the loss of this creative giant, one thing is clear – Drew Struzan's legacy will live on through his stunning artwork. As his wife, Dylan, so eloquently put it in her emotional update: "Drew has left a strong legacy of love and joy in the form of his work... His aim was to make the earth a better place in which to live by creating something beautiful."

Rest in peace, Drew Struzan. Your art will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sources:

• The Scholarly Note (TSN) - "Beloved Movie Poster Artist Drew Struzan Passes Away at 78"
• TSN - "Drew Struzan's Wife Reveals His Condition and Vows to Continue Curating His Legacy"
• TSN - "The Iconic Career of Drew Struzan: A Look Back at His Most Famous Works"