‘Star Wars’ Concept Designer Ralph McQuarrie Passes Away at 82

Sad news comes at the end of the weekend as a man who has influenced film for decades and is responsible for some of the most iconic cinematic science fiction creations of all-time has passed away. Geeks of Doom spread the news that concept designer Ralph McQuarrie, the man behind the breathtaking art that served as the inspiration for the look and style of the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away at age 82. No cause of death is given, but McQuarrie had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for some time. In his wake, McQuarrie leaves a legacy of art behind that has and will influence storytelling for years to come. Here’s the statement released from McQuarrie’s official website: “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph McQuarrie. People say you should never meet your heroes. Ralph was the exception to that rule. We were all …