The world of film and art has lost a true icon. Drew Struzan, the celebrated illustrator behind some of the most memorable movie posters of all time, has passed away at the age of 78.
His family confirmed his death on Tuesday, with his brother Greg Struzan sharing the news on Instagram, highlighting how much joy Drew felt knowing his fans loved his work.
Struzan had battled Alzheimer’s disease in recent years and had stepped away from the public eye, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of cinematic history.
A Career That Defined Hollywood Imagery
Drew Struzan’s career is nothing short of legendary. Over nearly four decades, he created more than 150 movie posters, from Star Wars and Blade Runner to Back to the Future, E.T., the Indiana Jones series, and even Harry Potter.
His unmistakable style, all created by hand with pencils, airbrush, acrylics, and colored pencils, became a signature that drew audiences to theaters.
Steven Spielberg famously called Struzan his “favorite movie artist,” admitting he felt pressure to “live up to the art” the illustrator created.
Struzan also left his mark in music, designing album covers for The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, and Alice Cooper’s Welcome to My Nightmare, which Rolling Stone ranked among the top 100 album covers ever.
Retirement, Comebacks, and a Documentary
Though Struzan retired in 2008, his passion for illustration brought him back to design posters for projects like The Dark Tower, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy.
His work and career were celebrated in the 2013 documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster, featuring interviews with Struzan, his wife Dylan, son Christian, directors like Guillermo del Toro, and actors including Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox.
In interviews, Struzan described his art as “more than just telling the story.”
He aimed to give viewers a feeling, capturing hope and essence rather than just scenes.
Asked about his favorite poster, he explained he never had one, believing that focusing on a past favorite could dull his creative spark — for him, the next project was always the most exciting.
Early Life and Artistic Drive
Struzan’s journey began in Oregon, and at 18 he moved to California to attend the ArtCenter College of Design.
He supported himself through school by selling artwork and accepting small commissions, driven by necessity and passion.
“I was poor and hungry, and illustration was the shortest path to a slice of bread,” he once said.
“I drew on toilet paper with pencils — that was the only paper around. Probably why I love drawing so much today.”
Final Years and Alzheimer’s Battle
In March, his wife Dylan shared an emotional update revealing that Struzan could no longer create art due to Alzheimer’s.
She explained that although he could no longer paint or sign items, he still drew encouragement from fans’ comments.
“Drew has left a strong legacy of love and joy in the form of his work,” she wrote.
“His aim was to make the earth a better place by creating something beautiful.
But like a flower, his season is ending.” Dylan pledged to continue curating his legacy, ensuring his art and spirit endure.
Tributes Pour In from Fans and Fellow Artists
News of Struzan’s passing sparked heartfelt tributes across social media. DC president and Batman artist Jim Lee called him “a giant among giants,” praising his ability to capture humanity, power, and emotion.
Marvel artist J. Scott Campbell admitted the loss was “heartbreaking” and celebrated the beauty Struzan left for future generations.
Illustrator Orlando Arocena credited him as an inspiration, writing: “Thank you for being the motivation and inspiration that helped my creative path and countless others. You will be missed and always remembered, Maestro. Rest in peace.”