Drew Struzan, a distinguished movie poster artist, passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 78. His death followed a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. A heartfelt message on his official Instagram account confirmed his passing, highlighting the joy he felt from his fans’ appreciation for his art. Struzan is remembered for his contributions to the film industry and collaborations with renowned directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
Impactful Career Highlighting Iconic Films
Born in Oregon in 1947, Struzan relocated to Los Angeles during the 1960s to study at the Art Center College of Design. He initiated his career by creating album covers for well-known musical groups such as the Bee Gees and Earth, Wind & Fire. His breakthrough came in 1978 when Lucasfilm commissioned him to design a poster for the re-release of the original Star Wars film.
Legacy of Cinematic Art
Struzan gained fame for his vibrant and realistic artwork, which perfectly captured the essence of adventure in film. His iconic posters include:
- Star Wars series
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
- Blade Runner
- The Thing
His artwork was not just visually stunning but also stirred emotions, making audiences excited about the films. Struzan’s unique approach involved creating compositions that were open-ended, encouraging viewers to form their interpretations rather than dictating a specific narrative.
Tributes to a Legend
Following his death, numerous tributes poured in from the creative community. Jim Lee, the chief creative officer of DC Comics, praised Struzan for capturing the emotional depth of his subjects. Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro also expressed his sorrow, calling him a genius communicator and a beloved friend.
Struzan’s legacy will endure through the countless film posters that continue to resonate with audiences. His artistic vision transformed promotional artwork into a crucial element of the cinematic experience.
