Drew Struzan, the legendary illustrator whose movie posters helped define the visual identity of Hollywood blockbusters for over four decades, died on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78. The celebrated artist had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
News of his passing was shared on his official Instagram account, where his family expressed gratitude to fans who had supported his work throughout his life. “It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew Struzan has moved on from this world as of yesterday, October 13th,” the post read. “He expressed to me so many times the joy he felt knowing how much you appreciated his art.”
Struzan’s death marks the end of an era in cinematic artistry. Known for his distinct hand-painted style, he created posters that became as iconic as the films themselves. His brushwork brought to life some of the greatest movie franchises in history, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and Back to the Future. His artwork not only promoted films but also immortalized them in pop culture, shaping how audiences remember those cinematic universes.
Born in Oregon City, Oregon, in 1947, Struzan’s path to fame began in the early 1970s after graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Initially working as a commercial illustrator, he transitioned to film poster art during the height of Hollywood’s blockbuster era. His first major success came with the 1977 re-release poster for Star Wars: A New Hope, which caught the attention of both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.
Over the decades that followed, Struzan became Hollywood’s go-to artist for capturing the soul of cinema. His meticulously detailed portraits, warm color palettes, and storytelling compositions made his posters instantly recognizable. His collaborations with Lucas and Spielberg resulted in timeless pieces for E.T., Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Goonies, among others.
Struzan’s artistic philosophy focused on emotional storytelling rather than mere likeness. He believed that a great poster should “make you feel something before you even see the film.” That approach, blending fantasy with realism, helped create the aura of mystery and wonder that became his trademark.
His portfolio extended far beyond adventure and science fiction. Struzan crafted posters for films like Blade Runner, The Shawshank Redemption, and Hellboy, each displaying his ability to balance depth, drama, and humanity through paint and light.
Steven Spielberg once said of him, “I had to almost live up to the art that we later were going to ask Drew to create for the poster.” The quote reflected the reverence filmmakers had for Struzan’s work—art that elevated their films into mythic territory.
In addition to his film work, Struzan’s illustrations graced album covers, book jackets, and even limited-edition art prints cherished by collectors worldwide. In 2010, a documentary titled Drew: The Man Behind the Poster explored his career and enduring influence on visual culture.
Struzan officially retired from commercial art in 2012, though he continued creating limited works for special projects and fan commissions. In his later years, he lived a quiet life with his wife, Dylan, often reflecting on his journey and the impact of traditional artistry in a digital age.
Drew Struzan leaves behind a visual legacy that transcends generations—a body of work that not only sold movies but celebrated imagination itself. His art defined the magic of cinema for millions and remains an enduring reminder that sometimes a single image can capture the heart of a story better than words ever could.
