As an artist and production designer for several beloved sci-fi movies, Ron Cobb will always have a place in the memory of many fans. On Monday, the 83-year-old genius who contributed to several iconic films like “Star Wars” and “Back to the Future” passed away.
Genius and Artistic
Many know Cobb for his work on several pop culture classics like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Alien.” Actually, he originated the iconic time-travelling DeLorean in “Back to the Future.”
Yahoo! also said that Cobb’s previous works also involved designing the production of movies like “The Last Starfighter,” “Total Recall,” and “True Lies.”
Previously, Cobb had also joined the Army Signal Corps in 1963. Afterward, he went back to the States to do some political cartoons, which tackled themes like racism and militarization. At some point in his life, he has also worked for the Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Later on, he would also create the aliens in the first “Star Wars” film (Episode IV) in 1977. Several years later, he would also design scenes and costumes for the movie “Conan The Barbarian.”
Remembering Cobb
With his passing, Lucasfilm, the studio behind the “Star Wars” franchise, commemorated Cobb. Writing on the “Star Wars” Twitter account, the post reads: “We were saddened to learn of the passing of conceptual designer Ron Cobb, who designed one of the most memorable characters in the Mos Eisely cantina, Momaw Nadon.”
Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, also took to Twitter his recognition to Cobb. He wrote: “Ron Cobb was a giant in his field. His impact on sci-fi & fantasy films is immeasurable. Thank you for a lifetime of brilliant contributions & your incomparable imagination.”
Ron Cobb was a giant in his field. His impact on sci-fi & fantasy films is immeasurable. Thank you for a lifetime of brilliant contributions & your incomparable imagination. #RIPRonCobb https://t.co/1muckonjaS
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 22, 2020
Furthermore, Cobb’s wife, Robin Love, said of him: “He was passionate about making the science correct. he wanted accurate science, and he wanted great design.”
Love for Films and Stories
According to the New York Times article, Love said Lewy body dementia caused his death. He took his last breath in Sydney, Australia, right on his birthday.
Moreover, The Times quoted a 1988 interview with Cobb, who expressed his love for his craft. “Film offers me an opportunity to do all these things…. I can do the sets; I can express my interest in story, plot, and characters. Film is very satisfying.”