Artist John (Henry) Alvin died 6 February 2008 of a heart attack. Born in Hyannis, Massachusetts, on 24 November 1948, his parents were both career Army officers. Alvin graduated from the Art Center College of Design, which was then in Los Angeles, in 1971 (it has since moved to Pasadena).
He worked on billboards and advertisements, but will probably be best remembered for his movie posters, which include the iconic human and alien fingers touching for E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial. In a career spanning 35 years, he painted scenes for more than 135 films, including works by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Blake Edwards, Mel Brooks, and Ridley Scott.
“He captured the heart of whatever the assignment was,” former Walt Disney Executive Vice President Federico Tio said. “John became synonymous with almost all of the recent posters for Disney.” His included Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and the rereleases of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio.
Alvin was also responsible for the 1974 poster for Young Frankenstein, 1982’s Blade Runner, and posters for the Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises.
Alvin is survived by his wife, daughter, and sister. His web site, www.johnalvin.com, showcases some of his work, as does the official fan site, www.johnalvinart.com, as well as this aintitcool post. The fan site has links to send condolences to his family and friends, and also notes that “if you want to donate to his favorite charity, (in lieu of flowers)—the family requests that donations be made to the Food Bank Association of New York State, 235 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210, or to your local Food Bank Association.”