Roger Kastel Final Brushstroke: Renowned artist Roger Karl Kastel, known for over 1,000 illustrations, including iconic movie posters for “Jaws” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” has passed away at the age of 92 in Worcester County, Massachusetts. His demise, attributed to kidney and heart failure, occurred in a hospice facility, as reported by his wife, Grace Kastel, to the Hollywood Reporter.
Kastel’s artistic journey began at the age of 15 when he secured his inaugural paying art job, creating industrial cartoons. Over the next four decades, he crafted a prolific career, selling his first illustration in the early 1960s and contributing to paperback book covers and movie posters. While “Jaws” and “The Empire Strikes Back” stand as his most recognizable works, Kastel garnered multiple awards for a diverse range of illustrations and fine art.
The 1975 blockbuster “Jaws,” a suspenseful narrative depicting a great white shark menacing a beach community, not only earned a best picture Oscar nomination but also secured three additional Academy Awards. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley’s bestselling 1974 novel, Kastel’s captivating painting of the iconic shark is enshrined in the books “The Illustrator in American” and “200 Years of American Illustration.”
Beyond his cinematic contributions, Kastel’s artistic footprint extends to the paperback edition of Benchley’s novel “Jaws.” His legacy encompasses a rich tapestry of illustrations that have left an indelible mark on American art and cinema.
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Who painted the Jaws poster?
Renowned American artist Roger Kastel (June 11, 1931 November 8, 2023) is best remembered for his iconic movie posters for Jaws (1975) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980). His artistic brilliance and unique style made him a sought-after name in the industry. Kastel’s contribution to the world of art and cinema will always be remembered and cherished.