Drew Struzan, Legendary ‘Star Wars’ Poster Artist, Dies at 78
Drew Struzan, the renowned artist famous for his iconic movie posters, has passed away at the age of 78. His family confirmed that he died due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Drew Struzan’s Early Career
Struzan graduated from the ArtCenter College of Design and began his career at Pacific Eye & Ear, a design studio in Los Angeles. Under the mentorship of Ernie Cefalu, he contributed to various album covers for artists such as:
- The Beach Boys
- Bee Gees
- Black Sabbath
He also illustrated the famous T-shirt worn by George Carlin on his 1974 album, “Toledo Window Box,” and created the cover for Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare.”
The Breakthrough
A pivotal moment in Struzan’s career came when David Weitzner, then vice president of advertising at 20th Century Fox, approached him to design a poster for a theatrical re-release of “Star Wars.” This opportunity marked the beginning of his journey into creating some of the most memorable movie posters in history.
Iconic Movie Posters
Over the following decades, Struzan produced extraordinary posters for numerous films, including:
- Blade Runner
- The Muppet Movie
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Coming to America
- First Blood
- An American Tail
- The Goonies
Legacy and Retirement
Struzan also designed the original logo for Industrial Light & Magic, the visual effects company created by George Lucas for “Star Wars.” Although he continued to work on occasion, he officially retired in 2008 after crafting the poster for “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” In 2015, he created an alternative poster for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Alzheimer’s Disease
This year, Struzan’s wife disclosed that he had been suffering from Alzheimer’s, which limited his ability to paint and sign posters. His artwork captured the essence of the films he promoted, contributing to their mystique.
A Timeless Influence
Struzan’s illustrations, characterized by their warmth and texture, stood out during a time when digital mock-ups became more common. His talent created magical works that felt alive with each brush stroke. He leaves behind a legacy of stunning art that continues to resonate with fans.
