The Departure of Hollywood Poster Legend Drew Struzan at the Age of 78

The legendary American artist Drew Struzan, one of the most prominent designers of Hollywood film posters, passed away at the age of 78, according to his family’s announcement on his official Instagram account on Monday.
The family stated in a brief statement: "With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Drew Struzan yesterday, October 13. He was always happy to appreciate your admiration for his art and legacy."

A career spanning decades and influencing generations

Struzan's career spanned many decades during which he left an unforgettable mark on the history of cinematic art, designing posters for some of the most famous classic films, including:
Star Wars, Back to the Future, Harry Potter, The Empire Strikes Back, The Goonies, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Thing.
His works contributed to shaping the visual identity of modern American cinema, making the film poster a standalone work of art.

A unique style and distinctive artistic vision

Struzan was distinguished by a precise style that combines artistic realism and emotional expression, where he would start each work with a pencil sketch before coloring it with acrylic paints and colored pencils to create a vibrant final piece.
In an interview with Slash Film magazine in 2021, Struzan stated that his goal was not to narrate the film's story, but to convey a feeling that could ignite the viewer's passion, affirming that the poster "is more than just a visual narrative; it is a promise of adventure and emotions."

Contributions to the world of music as well

Struzan's talent was not limited to cinema, as he designed album covers for several major musicians such as The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Alice Cooper.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked his design for the album Welcome to My Nightmare among the most famous album covers in history.

Suffering in his later years and a lasting legacy

Struzan's wife revealed earlier this year that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, explaining that he was no longer able to paint or sign, but he remained surrounded by love and appreciation from his fans around the world.