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Hollywood mourns Drew Struzan: The world-famous illustrator and film poster artist, whose distinctive style shaped films such as “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and “Back to the Future,” has died at the age of 78. Struzan was considered one of Hollywood’s most important visual storytellers. His work made generations of moviegoers curious about the magic of the screen.
Icon of Film Art: Struzan’s Legacy
Revered by fans and filmmakers alike, Drew Struzan created some of the most iconic cinema posters of all time. His best-known works include the posters for “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Back to the Future,” “The Goonies,” The Thing from Another World and the “Star Wars” special editions.
His distinctive style – realistic, colorful and emotionally charged – made him a favorite of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Spielberg once called him his “favorite film artist” and emphasized that Struzan’s art turned many films into real cinema events: “Drew’s posters were event art. Just one look at them brought back memories of entire film eras.”
Farewell to a master
The news was published via Struzan’s official Instagram account. It said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Drew Struzan left this world on October 13th. He was deeply grateful for all the people who appreciated his art.”
Struzan had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for several years and had therefore increasingly withdrawn from the public eye.
Appreciations from the film world
After his death became known, numerous companions and admirers spoke out. Guillermo del Toro wrote: “The world has lost a brilliant artist and a wonderful person. I have lost a friend – my beloved Drew.” DC boss and Batman illustrator Jim Lee praised Struzan’s work as a “giant among giants” that captured the “humanity, power and emotion” of his characters like no other.
Marvel artist J. Scott Campbell also emphasized: “His legacy remains everlasting. His art will inspire generations to come.”
A life for art
In a 2018 interview Struzan recalled his difficult childhood and thanked the directors who believed in him: “I was never given anything for free – except opportunities from great people.” His life’s work was honored in the 2013 documentary “Drew: The Man Behind the Poster” by director Erik Sharkey.
When asked about his favorite poster, Struzan once responded with a sentence that perfectly sums up his artistic ethos: “My favorite poster is always the next one.”