Drew Struzan, the masterful artist behind many of Hollywood’s most memorable movie posters, has passed away at the age of 78. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for film art. Struzan was widely recognized as the “go-to artist” for cinematic giants like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, whose films frequently featured his distinctive and evocative poster designs.
His prolific career included creating iconic artwork for beloved films such as “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” “Back to the Future,” and “The Thing,” among many others. Steven Spielberg fondly remembered Struzan, calling him “my favorite movie artist” and noting how the art often inspired the films themselves.
Struzan’s passing was announced via his official Instagram account. A heartfelt post shared the news, expressing his joy in knowing how much his art was appreciated by fans. The artist, born in Oregon City, began his career in Los Angeles, initially designing album covers for famous bands like The Beach Boys and Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as illustrating the cover for Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare” album. He transitioned to movie posters in 1975, with his big break coming from the re-release poster for “Star Wars.” His distinctive style, characterized by realistic yet dramatic portrayals, made him a highly sought-after talent in the industry.
In his later career, Struzan continued to produce captivating artwork into the 2000s, eventually retiring in 2008. His significant contributions were further highlighted in the 2013 documentary “Drew: The Man Behind the Poster.” In a 2021 interview, Struzan reflected on his creative process, emphasizing his collaborative approach by seeking to understand the essence of a director’s vision to translate it into compelling poster art.
Drew Struzan’s unique artistic vision left an indelible mark on cinematic history, with his posters becoming as iconic as the films they represented. His work will continue to be celebrated and remembered by movie lovers worldwide.