How did Drew Struzan die, cause of death, wife, children and net worth
The death of Drew Struzan was announced by his family through his official Instagram account. His brother, Greg Struzan, shared that the artist passed away on October 13, 2025. The family statement mentioned his appreciation for fans who celebrated his art.
Earlier this year, his wife, Dylan Struzan, revealed that his health was declining due to Alzheimer’s disease. She said he could no longer paint or sign artwork and was focusing on treatment. Struzan’s death came after several years of battling the illness.
Drew Struzan life and early beginnings
Born on March 18, 1947, in Oregon City, Oregon, Drew Struzan developed an interest in art at a young age. He studied at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he funded his education by selling drawings and small commissioned works.
In Los Angeles, he joined Pacific Eye & Ear, a studio led by Ernie Cefalu. There, Struzan designed album covers for famous musicians, including The Beach Boys, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bee Gees, and Alice Cooper. His 1975 design for Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare” became a major milestone in his career.
Drew Struzan entry into film posters
Struzan’s career in movie poster design began in the mid-1970s with smaller projects such as Empire of the Ants and Squirm. His big break came in 1978 when artist Charles White III invited him to collaborate on the re-release poster for Star Wars. Struzan was responsible for painting the human characters, while White handled the mechanical details.
This project led to long-term collaborations with directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. His work on Indiana Jones, E.T., Blade Runner, and Back to the Future became iconic.
Drew Struzan signature works and collaborations
Drew Struzan’s posters became defining images for many generations. He created visuals for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Empire Strikes Back, The Goonies, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Coming to America.
Steven Spielberg described his work as “event art,” noting that his posters turned movies into cultural landmarks. George Lucas called his art “the emotional gateway into the movie itself.” Struzan’s style, featuring lifelike portraits and hand-painted collages, became his signature and influenced an entire generation of poster artists.
Drew Struzan later life and retirement
In the 2000s, Struzan worked on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He retired in 2008 but occasionally returned for special commissions. These included posters for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Dark Tower, How to Train Your Dragon, and Batkid Begins.
In 2013, the documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster was released, directed by Erik Sharkey. It featured interviews with Spielberg, Lucas, and Harrison Ford, highlighting Struzan’s impact on Hollywood poster art.
Drew Struzan reflections and artistic approach
In a 2021 interview, Struzan explained his approach to painting movie posters. He said he aimed to give people feelings of hope and connection. His process involved studying the movie, understanding its themes, and designing open-ended compositions that encouraged viewers to feel the film’s essence.
Drew Struzan’s net worth and legacy
At the time of his death, Drew Struzan’s estimated net worth was around $10 million. His wealth came from decades of illustration, commissions, film posters, and collectible art sales. His paintings are displayed in museums, art galleries, and private collections worldwide, including the Smithsonian. Struzan’s influence extended to digital artists and filmmakers who view his posters as timeless symbols of cinematic storytelling.
Drew Struzan’s wife and children
He is survived by his wife, Dylan, and their son, Christian. His legacy continues through his artworks that remain part of global popular culture.
Drew Struzan Hollywood tributes
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from directors, actors, and fans. Spielberg remembered him as an artist who made movies unforgettable. Many called him “the last great painter of Hollywood.” Fans said his posters defined their childhoods and represented the magic of cinema.
FAQs
How did Drew Struzan die and what was his cause of death?
Drew Struzan died on October 13, 2025, at age 78, after several years of battling Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by his family on social media.
What was Drew Struzan’s net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death, Drew Struzan’s net worth was estimated at around $10 million, earned from his work as an illustrator and poster artist.
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