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Ralph McQuarrie, Blockbuster Designer Dies at 82

The designs of Star Wars’ well-known characters of Darth Vader, R2-D2, C-3PO and Chewbacca were created by the brilliant mind of talented designer Ralph McQuarrie, who died today at the age of 8...
Ralph McQuarrie, Blockbuster Designer Dies at 82
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  • The designs of Star Wars’ well-known characters of Darth Vader, R2-D2, C-3PO and Chewbacca were created by the brilliant mind of talented designer Ralph McQuarrie, who died today at the age of 82 years old.

    Ralph McQuarrie, an Indiana native and California-based designer, was commissioned by George Lucas to create scenes for his upcoming Star Wars movies, including the characters mentioned above. McQuarrie was then slated to become the conceptual designer for the whole Star Wars trilogy. McQuarrie also played a minor role as General Pharl McQuarrie in the ice-planet Hoth scenes of Star Wars’ Empire Strikes Back.

    In a statement about McQuarrie, George Lucas exclaimed the following remarks:

    “Ralph McQuarrie was the first person 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.'” (Source: EOnline)

    To see McQuarrie’s talented works for the Star Wars trilogy, please view the YouTube video provided below.

    McQuarrie’s outstanding talent can also be seen in various other Hollywood blockbuster movies, such as: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, and the original TV series of Battlestar Galactica.

    The Twitter community has been active saying their goodbyes to McQuarrie, and I have provided some sentimental tweets pertaining to McQuarrie’s passing below.

    RIP Ralph McQuarrie. Your designs of a future long, long ago and far, far away remain near and dear to the hearts of generations. 1 day ago via Seesmic ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    RIP Ralph McQuarrie, the visionary behind Star Wars. Retweet for respect. 1 day ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    RIP Ralph McQuarrie, the visionary who designed the original #StarWars films. Your work will live on. The Force will be with you always. 18 hours ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    With great sadness we note the passing of a legend, Artist Ralph McQuarrie. Ralph’s contribution to cinema will be remembered – Always. #RIP 21 hours ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    Ralph McQuarrie passed away. His contributions to our collective imaginations can’t be measured. We have all been influenced by his vision. 1 day ago via Echofon ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    RIP Ralph McQuarrie… Star wars wouldn’t have been anything without your beautiful production artwork. 3 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    R.I.P Ralph McQuarrie. You were a brilliant man, and will be dearly missed. 43 minutes ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    RIP Ralph McQuarrie, a true visionary and artist extraordinaire. 1 hour ago via Twitter for Android ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    What concept of Ralph McQuarrie’s touched you the most? Please leave your comments below.

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