Drew Struzan, Renowned Movie Poster Artist, Passes Away
Drew Struzan, the legendary artist famed for his movie posters like “Star Wars” and “Back to the Future,” has died at the age of 78.
Longtime friend and collaborator Greg Aronowitz shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram on Tuesday. The specific cause of Struzan’s death hasn’t been made public.
“It’s with great sadness that I have to share Drew Struzan passed away yesterday, October 13th,” Aronowitz posted. “I think it’s important for you all to know how much joy you brought him through your appreciation of his art.”
Following the announcement, fans and industry icons flooded social media to honor Struzan, with tributes pouring in from prominent figures like Steven Spielberg and Guillermo del Toro.
“Drew created event art,” Spielberg noted. “His posters have turned many of our films into destinations, and just one glance at his stunning photorealistic creations takes you back to those films and how young we were when we saw them.”
“Nobody drew like Drew, in a style he truly invented,” the director of “Indiana Jones” acknowledged.
Del Toro also reflected on the loss, stating, “The world has lost a gentle man, a genius communicator, and a consummate artist. I lost my friend, my beloved Drew.”
Brought up in Oregon City, Oregon, Struzan studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where he funded his education by selling artwork and taking on small commissions.
Initially, he worked as a local artist for Pacific Eye and Ear in Los Angeles, under the mentorship of artist Ernie Cefalu.
Starting in 1975, Struzan created promotional film posters after designing album covers for artists such as the Beach Boys, Bee Gees, and Earth, Wind & Fire, earning between $150 to $250 each.
His big break came in 1978 when fellow artist Charles White III, who was employed by 20th Century Fox, sought Struzan’s help to create a new poster for the re-release of “Star Wars.” While White managed the poster’s mechanics, Struzan painted the characters in oil.
Following his success with “Star Wars,” Struzan illustrated iconic posters for classics like “Blade Runner,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” and “The Goonies.”
Even after announcing his retirement in 2008, after designing the poster for “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” Struzan occasionally returned to design posters for newer films, including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015.
His life and work were spotlighted in Eric Sharkey’s 2013 documentary, “Drew: The Man Behind the Poster,” which featured interviews with various directors and stars Struzan collaborated with, including George Lucas, Spielberg, and Harrison Ford.
Reflecting on his artistic philosophy, Struzan once remarked, “I felt that art was more than just telling a story. I try to give people a sense of what they can expect.” He continued, “I ask the directors what they’re doing and why, and then I try to capture the essence of their vision in my artwork.”
