Artist Drew Struzan victim to Alzheimer’s, can no longer paint

By John Freeman on March 28, 2025

We’re sorry to report that legendary poster artist Drew Struzan, now 78, can no longer paint or even sign his art and is, in the words of his wife, Dylan, “fighting for his life,” victim to the progression of Alzheimer’s. We wish him only our best…

Drew Struzan - Self Portrait — Drew Struzan, a self portrait, later rendered in colour

Drew Struzan’s art is some of the most iconic in modern movies, with the artwork for over 150 movie posters to his credit, including all the Star Wars, Back to the Future and Indiana Jones movies, Harry Potter, E.T., Big Trouble in Little China, The Goonies and the Muppets. George Lucas dubbed him “the only collectible artist since World War Two” and Steven Spielberg called him his “favourite movie artist”.

Posting on social media yesterday Drew’s wife, Dylan Struzan, wrote: “I come to you with a heavy heart,” detailing Drew’s Alzheimer’s Disease and its progression in recent years.

Dementia can impact anyone. Nearly 15 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. In the UK alone, it’s is considered our biggest health and social care crisis.

The Alzheimer’s Society notes one in three people born in the UK today will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime; and 1.4 million people here are expected to be living with dementia by 2040.

“Forgetfulness is often what we think of when this disease is mentioned, the brain malfunctioning,” she explained. “As the disease progresses, the hippocampus (seat of memory) begins to fail. Think of all the things you learned throughout life, simple things like how to stand (balance), how to walk, how to talk, how to control your bodily functions, how to make decisions, how to do most everything we do. The hippocampus forgets. It has been said this is the most vulnerable organ in the body. I can believe it.

“Some doctors believe this disease is reversible,” she continued. “For years, Drew and I have used the protocols that are supposed to, at the very least, arrest the forward momentum of the disease to no avail. His body has continued to decline. He is ‘still in there’ as they say. It seems that specialized brains have an advantage as their knowledge is part of the structure of the brain, not just an add-on stored in the brain. Nevertheless, the 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.”

Despite the progression of Disease Dylan indicated fan support on his social media such as Facebook and Instagram continues to encourages him.

“Drew has left a strong legacy of love and joy in the form of his work,” she said. “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.

“I and Jon will continue to curate Drew’s legacy. My vision here is to bring the creative community to the fore. That’s what our live streaming and videos are about. Many creatives sharing their craft with an insider vision of the job Drew was a master at juggling. I hope you spread the word that will help others enjoy true creativity.

“They call this the humanities because it is something unique to our species. Art is meant to be enjoyed. Drew always wanted his work to be uplifting. From your comments, I believe he has succeeded. It was always his mission to move art forward being deeply influenced by the great artist and his professor at Art Center, Lorser Feitelson who introduced him to Modernism, a period of artistic and literary experimentation that began in the 19th century. It sought to create new ways of expressing ideas. Drew was also influenced by the Impressionists, as you most likely see above all in his art, the vibrance of color. His drawing skills were informed by the likes of Michelangelo and Pontormo and those in the Italian Renaissance, Composition will always be foundational from Cézanne.

“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.”

We wish Drew all the best and thank him for his amazing, inspiring art across several decades, and his family all the very best at this difficult time.

• Drew Struzan’s Official Facebook Page

• Drew Struzan’s Official Instagram Page

If someone you know is a victim of Alzheimer’s, or care for someone with the disease, there are numerous charities offering support and researching cures. In the US, these include the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America; in the UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research. Donations are welcomed

• The Art of Drew Struzan (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)

Drew Struzan has created some of the most iconic movie poster images of the last 30 years, from Raiders of the Lost Ark to Star Wars: Episode III. Published by Titan Books in 2010, this book covers his movie work in depth. Featuring over 300 pieces of artwork, including previously unseen poster art for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Hellboy II, this is a treat for movie buffs and artists alike.

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.