Greg Hildebrandt, artist and illustrator best known for his work in Star Wars, Marvel Masterpieces, Magic: The Gathering and The Lord of the Rings alongside his late twin brother Tim, has died at the age of 85. Tim Hildebrandt died in 2006, aged 67.
Hildebrandt’s wife Jean Scrocco posted the news that her husband of 15 years, and partner for over 30 years, died last night. She posted this to his social media today that he has passed after a short illness.
The light has gone out in my life. At 12:36 pm this afternoon the love of my life, my best friend and soulmate passed away. Greg was 85 years young. He was the sweetest man I ever knew. We worked together for 45 years. We lived together for 33 of those years. We had a beautiful life we were blessed. Greg has been fighting for 5 months to regain his ability to breathe after a serious side effect of a heart medication. He fought very hard to win this battle but in the end he was just too weak. He passed away peacefully in my arms. He knew he was safe and he was loved and he will be missed terribly. I cannot imagine my life without him. He was my guy, yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. You are my heart and it is broken!
Greg and Tim Hildebrandt, known as the Brothers Hildebrandt (born January 23, 1939), were American twin brothers who worked collaboratively as fantasy and science fiction artists for many years, produced illustrations for comic books, movie posters, children’s books, posters, novels, calendars, advertisements, and trading cards. Tim Hildebrandt died on June 11, 2006. Their lush, color saturated style brought generations of creative writing, games and filmmaking to vivid, intoxicating life.
The Hildebrants work included the very first Star Wars movie with Luke Skywalker holding a lightsaber over his head, which came after their artwork for the official The Lord of the Rings calendars. Their Marvel Masterpieces work for Marvel Comics, and their trading cards were the inciting spark for an entire industry.
Greg Hildebrandt made solo contributions to some remarkable projects, including art for Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s albums and merchandise, Black Sabbath’s Mob Rules album, his iconic American Beauties pinup series, and covers for IDW’s Star Trek comics. He illustrated classic stories like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Dracula, Poe’s works, and The Phantom of the Opera. Recently, he added to Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds, a benefit anthology supporting Operation USA. His creative influence stretched far beyond just fantasy and sci-fi.
Greg married his first wife, Diana F. Stankowski, in 1963, who modelled for Princess Leia on the Star Wars movie poster and had two daughters and a son. In 1991 Greg became the partner of longtime colleague Jean Scrocco and they married in 2009.
Paul Levitz, former DC Publisher & President, posted this on Facebook:
“We lost one of the greats yesterday. If Jack Kirby gave the world the visual dynamic of action, Greg Hildebrandt and his brother Tim gave it the rich decor of the imagination. Whether in sf or fantasy, if it could be dreamed, their paints made it solid, lush and inviting. Greg had been struggling with his health, and lost the final battle on Halloween, joining his brother in legend. He was as soft a soul as one of his brushstrokes, and my heart goes out to Jean Scrocco, his wife, and all who loved him and his art.”
On the social service X, formerly (and in some circles, still) known as Twitter, the outpouring of commemoration and affection for the man continues:
The passing of Greg Hildebrandt marks the end of an era in fantasy illustration, but his works live on to ignite the imaginations of readers, writers and artists yet to come.
Goodnight, Mr. Hildebrandt. We’re sorry to see you go, and we are all the better for your having passed this way. Thank you for a lifetime of joy and inspiration.
