Marc Thorpe, Star Wars and Indiana Jones visual effects legend, has died at 77

The world of special effects is in mourning with the loss of Marc Thorpe, who has left his signature on some of the most beloved films of the eighties.

Sad day for fans of some of the most memorable films Industrial Light & Magic worked on in the 1980s. Marc Thorpea true legend of special effects in an era of unprecedented industry revolution, has died at the age of 77.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news of the death of Marc Thorpe first and, later, the specialist’s daughter, Megan Fefferconfirmed the death.

Thorpe was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1993, and progressed until it was impossible for him to work in his specialty, which explains, among other things, that his last credit in the special effects department dates back to 1990. Megan Feffer confirms that Thorpe died in a palliative care clinic in Alamo, California.

“For him, Parkinson’s disease began with relatively mild tremors and then, over time, progressed to less and less bodily autonomy, something particularly torturous for a fiercely independent artist like my father, whose joy in life was creating things with his hands.

While the disease itself is not technically considered terminal, it eventually eliminates crucial functions such as movement and swallowing, functions essential for life. To say that the last few months, and especially the last few weeks, were challenging for my father would be an understatement, and I am grateful that he is finally at peace.“.

Marc Thorpe’s legacy in cinema

Marc Thorpe’s career as a special effects specialist is practically limited to the 1980s. In 1979, he became part of the staff of Industrial Light & Magic.

In ILMworked on iconic films Star Wars as The Empire Strikes Back y Return of the Jediwhere his knowledge in modeling and optical effects was essential.

He was also key in the saga of Indiana Joneswhere he participated in the three films of the original trilogy, from Raiders of the lost ark a Indiana Jones and the last crusade.

Outside of the sagas, films like Poltergeist, The dragon of the lake of fire, Howard… a new hero (Howard the Duck) or The hunt for Red Octoberthey benefited from his talent.

From the Hobby Cine editorial team at Hobby Consolas, we want to express our condolences to the family and friends of Marc Thorpe. Rest in peace.