Poster Artist Drew Struzan Known for ‘Star Wars’ & ‘Harry Potter’ Art Battling Alzheimer’s
Even if you have never heard the name Drew Struzan before now, you have likely seen his impressive work. Struzan is a legendary movie poster artist, who has worked on some of the most iconic movie posters of all time from Indiana Jones to The Shawshank Redemption and many, many more. Sadly, his wife recently confirmed that he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and he is unable to work or even sign and remember the posters he’s done in the past.
His wife, Dylan Struzan, wrote on Drew’s Facebook fan page, in part, “[T]he loss of coordination of moving the information from the brain to a functional expression short-changes abilities. Drew can no longer paint or sign things for you. He is not enjoying a well-deserved retirement but rather fighting for his life. He hears all the comments you have left here on these pages. It encourages him. […] Drew has left a strong legacy of love and joy in the form of his work. It has always been a love letter of sorts. His aim was to make the earth a better place in which to live by creating something beautiful. But like a flower, his season is ending.”
She continued, “The love you send is received with appreciation and often tears of joy. Those of you who have been touched by his work are his legacy. Please keep sharing your thoughts and experiences. It keeps him smiling through these difficult days. Keep remembering for him.”
With a career spanning decades, 78-year-old Struzan has crafted over 150 posters for legendary films such as Blade Runner, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and franchises like Back to the Future, Harry Potter and Star Wars. His journey began at the ArtCenter College of Design and gained early recognition designing album covers for artists like Alice Cooper, The Beach Boys and Black Sabbath before transitioning to movie posters in the ’70s.
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Struzan’s distinctive airbrushed style became a staple of Hollywood marketing throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Despite the decline of traditional illustration in favor of digital design, he continued producing artwork for films, books and collectibles. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including a Saturn Award, the Inkpot Award and induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. Though he retired in 2008, he occasionally returned for special projects before his diagnosis, including posters for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
Remind 