Syd Mead, Artist Behind Blade Runner, Dies

Visual concept artist and cyberpunk pioneer Syd Mead has passed away at the age of 86.

Known for creating the unique and dazzling worlds behind Blade Runner, Aliens, Tron, and countless other watershed sci-fi projects (including Johnny 5 from Short Circuit!), Mead designed some of the most iconic cinematic images of all time.

Mead kept busy through the decades, working as a conceptual artist on everything from Star Trek the Motion Picture and 2010 to '90s fare like Johnny Mnemonic and Strange Days. Even more recently, Mead lent his gifts to Elysium, Tomorrowland, and Blade Runner 2049 (where he designed the future Las Vegas).

The news of Mead's passing reportedly came from John McElroy of Autoline, who'd previously interviewed Mead on his podcast. Twitter is filled today with loving memories of Mead and heartfelt tributes to his talents...

A legend has left us today. His vision changed our culture, our collective perception of what is possible, and inspired so many of us today.

With a heavy and saddened heart, I say, R.I.P Syd Mead. pic.twitter.com/MnDT8ZuFia

— Karla Ortiz (@kortizart) December 30, 2019

News was first reported by John McElroy, the publisher of Autoline, who has interviewed Mead on his webcast in the past. pic.twitter.com/e0ymc3SQzX — cartoonbrew.com (@cartoonbrew) December 30, 2019

Syd Mead was a world builder the likes of which cinema had never seen, and probably won't see again. Such a pleasure to interview him for my BLADE RUNNER and ALIENS docs, and I'll forever be inspired by his visionary art. Condolences to Roger, Syd's family, friends and many fans. https://t.co/YNZOSxL2xJ — Charles de Lauzirika (@Lauzirika) December 30, 2019

Last month it was announced that Art Directors Guild is going to honor Syd Mead at its 24th Annual Awards on Feb 1.

Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.