Legendary Poster Designer Drew Struzan Passes Away at 78 Creator of Iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones Art

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Legendary Poster Designer Drew Struzan Passes Away at 78 Creator of Iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones Art

Drew Struzan, the legendary poster designer, has passed away at the age of 78. Known for his groundbreaking work on iconic movie posters, Struzan’s impact on film artistry is profound.

Celebrated Career Highlights

Struzan created memorable posters for numerous classic films, including:

  • Star Wars
  • Indiana Jones
  • The Empire Strikes Back
  • The Goonies
  • The Shawshank Redemption
  • The Thing

Early Life and Beginnings

Struzan’s artistic journey began with designing album covers. He worked with famous artists like:

  • The Beach Boys
  • The Bee Gees
  • Earth, Wind & Fire
  • Liberace
  • Black Sabbath

His album cover for Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare” was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest.

Transition to Film Posters

In the 1970s, Struzan turned his attention to film posters. His artistic approach gained attention when he designed a second poster for the re-release of Star Wars. Struzan quickly became a leading designer, creating around ten posters each year during the 1980s.

Artistic Philosophy

Struzan believed in conveying emotion rather than storytelling through his designs. In a 2021 interview, he expressed his view:

“I wasn’t looking to tell a story. I’m looking to give a person a feeling about something they could hope for.”

Collaborations and Notable Works

His collaborations with filmmakers like Steven Spielberg led to posters for:

  • ET: The Extra Terrestrial
  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
  • Hook

Struzan also designed notable posters for films such as:

  • Blade Runner
  • Big Trouble in Little China
  • Coming to America
  • First Blood
  • Hellboy
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Health Challenges and Legacy

In March 2023, it was revealed that Struzan was battling Alzheimer’s disease. His wife shared the news, stating, “Drew can no longer paint or sign things for you.”

Industry Tributes

Struzan’s passing elicited heartfelt tributes from many in the industry. Jim Lee, chief at DC Comics, referred to him as “a giant among giants,” praising his ability to capture humanity, power, and emotion in his art.

Struzan’s legacy will endure through the timeless designs that have captivated audiences and defined cinematic storytelling.