respected fantasy artist Greg Hildebrandt Died at the age of 85. Jean Scrocco, Hildebrandt recently passed away due to health issues, she said in a Facebook post.
The light in my life has gone out. Today at 12:36 pm the love of my life, my best friend and soul mate passed away. Greg is 85 years old. He is the sweetest person I know. We have worked together for 45 years. We have lived together for 33 years. We have a great life and we are lucky. After severe side effects from heart medication, it took Greg five months to regain his ability to breathe. He tried hard to win the fight, but ended up being too weak. He died peacefully in my arms. He knew he was safe, that he was loved, and that he would be greatly missed. I can’t imagine my life without him. He is mine yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. You are my heart but it is broken!
Along with his twin brother Tim, Greg Hildebrandt created some of the most popular images for the greatest fantasy series. As the Hildebrandt brothers, they produce art for The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and Magic: The Gathering. First known for their art for the JRR Tolkien calendar series, they drew on the works of Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish to create images of bold emotion and dramatic lighting.
Since then, they’ve gone on to create everything from one of the most iconic Star Wars posters to a famous piece of Marvel’s ’90s trading cards to Terry Brooks Shannara ) books, as well as Greg’s many recent contributions to Magic: The Gathering.
Tim Hildebrandt died in 2006, but Greg continued to work, paint, and attend meetings. Other recent works include Siberian Orchestra album covers, numerous illustrated books, and some works for charity anthologies Ukrainian comics: sunflower seeds.
As influential as Greg Hildebrandt’s art is, he’s also known as one of the kindest, friendliest people you’ll ever meet. As a child and junior Tolkien scholar, I memorized these calendars and they hold a special place in my heart (so special that they were one of the few things saved during a family fire.)
Years later, both Greg and Tim became part of my regular comics/art crowd. I will never forget the night when an impromptu dance party broke out and I found myself dancing with Greg Hildebrandt – from the calendar on the wall to my friend. They say don’t meet your heroes, but Greg Hildebrandt clearly refutes that.
The Beat extends its condolences to Greg’s friends and family.
