Beloved Artist Behind Iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones Posters Passes Away at 78
Drew Struzan, the beloved artist known for his iconic movie posters, passed away at the age of 78. He died on October 13th after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife, Dylan Struzan, and a statement on his official Instagram confirmed the news of his passing. Struzan’s contributions to cinema included designing posters for franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
Legacy of Drew Struzan
Struzan was celebrated for his collaborations with renowned filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. He designed promotional art for blockbuster films, including:
- The Empire Strikes Back
- E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Blade Runner
- The Thing
His artwork was characterized by lush realism and vibrant color palettes, capturing the essence of cinematic adventure. Spielberg remarked that Struzan’s posters set high expectations for the films, as seen in the 2013 documentary “Drew: The Man Behind the Poster.”
Tributes and Recognition
Tributes have poured in from fans and industry colleagues alike. Jim Lee, the chief creative officer at DC Comics, praised Struzan for his ability to convey humanity and emotion through his art. Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro expressed his sadness on Bluesky, describing Struzan as a “genius communicator and a supreme artist.”
Early Life and Career
Born in Oregon in 1947, Struzan moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s to study at the Art Center College of Design. He began his career by creating album covers for various bands, including the Bee Gees and Earth, Wind & Fire. His big break came in 1978 when Lucasfilm commissioned him for a poster for the re-release of Star Wars.
Artistic Philosophy
Struzan approached poster design with a unique philosophy. He aimed to evoke feelings rather than tell stories, allowing viewers to interpret the imagery from their perspectives. In a 2021 interview, he expressed his desire to create compositions that were open-ended, inviting exploration rather than presenting a definitive narrative.
Despite his extensive portfolio, Struzan never picked favorites among his creations. He stated that his best work was always the next piece he was set to create, showcasing his continual pursuit of excellence.
Drew Struzan’s passing marks a significant loss to the art world and film industry. He leaves behind a legacy that enriched many cherished cinematic moments.
