Ralph McQuarrie, the Man Behind the Look of 'Star Wars,' Dies at 82

By Matt Guhit
Published: March 6, 2012

Ralph McQuarrie, the man whose designs helped shaped the look of the original "Star Wars" triology, died Saturday, according to multiple reports. He was 82.

His designs were the basis of characters, including C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

His Darth Vader concept, though slightly different from the final deisign, made a comeback a few years ago with the launch of a limited edition helmet made by toy company eFx Collectibles.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a visionary artist and such a humble man," director George Lucas said in a statement. "Ralph McQuarrie was the first person I hired to help me envision Star Wars.

"His genial contribution, in the form of unequaled production paintings, propelled and inspired all of the cast and crew of the original Star Wars trilogy. When words could not convey my ideas, I could always point to one of Ralph's fabulous illustrations and say, 'Do it like this.'," he said.

Lucas continued:

"Beyond the movies, his artwork has inspired at least two generations of younger artists—all of whom learned through Ralph that movies are designed. Like me, they were thrilled by his keen eye and creative imagination, which always brought concepts to their most ideal plateau. In many ways, he was a generous father to a conceptual art revolution that was born of his artwork, and which seized the imaginations of thousands and propelled them into the film industry. In that way, we will all be benefiting from his oeuvre for generations to come. Beyond that, I will always remember him as a kind and patient, and wonderfully talented, friend and collaborator."

McQuarrie died due to complications with Parkinson's disease, according to The New York Times.

Read full obits at:
Los Angeles Times
CNN.com
The New York Times

(Photo: Lucas Ltd.)

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