Robert E. McGinnis, a towering figure in American illustration and design, has died at the age of 99.
Variety reported that McGinnis, renowned for his iconic film posters, particularly for the James Bond series, passed away on March 10 in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
A visionary artist, McGinnis's influence on the aesthetic of mid-century American pop culture is undeniable, with his work not only adorning movie theaters but also the covers of numerous popular novels and magazines.
Born into a modest family in Wyoming, Ohio, McGinnis faced and overcame the unique challenge of limited vision in one eye. His early foray into the creative world began with an apprenticeship at Walt Disney Studios, setting the stage for his distinctive artistic style.
His life took a turn when he served in the military. Once his service was concluded, McGinnis pursued an education in art, following which he embarked on a career in the demanding world of advertising.
This foundation in commercial art proved pivotal, honing his skills in captivating a broad audience through visual storytelling. His art school days cemented the techniques he would use throughout his illustrious career.
McGinnis's work reached a broad audience when he designed the film poster for "Breakfast at Tiffany's," depicting Audrey Hepburn elegantly with a cigarette and her cat. His portrayal of Hepburn won widespread acclaim; he once remarked on the simplicity of capturing her beauty: "You didn’t have to do much with her. She’s so perfect."
His bond with the James Bond series began shortly thereafter, crafting the memorable and stylistically distinct posters for films like “Thunderball” and “You Only Live Twice.” These pieces featured dynamic compositions of the stylish spy surrounded by beautiful women, capturing the essence of the series’ intrigue and glamour.
McGinnis’s artistic signature became synonymous with Bond, effectively defining the visual expectations for the film series during its most transformative years.
Robert McGinnis didn't limit his creativity to the spy genre; his versatile brush strokes also decorated the posters of "The Odd Couple," "The Wrecking Crew," and "Barbarella." His ability to cross genre boundaries made him a sought-after name in Hollywood and beyond.
Moreover, McGinnis had a significant impact outside of the film industry. He illustrated book covers for renowned authors like Donald Westlake and Erle Stanley Gardner and provided artwork for prestigious magazines including The Saturday Evening Post, National Geographic, and Reader’s Digest.
From the pin-up girl-style images of the 1960s, dubbed “The McGinnis Woman," to his later works, his distinctive style remained influential across various forms of media. Notably, models like Shere Hite inspired the bold and vibrant women in his illustrations.
In crafting one of his most famous pieces, the "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" poster, McGinnis uniquely used his wife and their family cat as models, adding a personal touch to a globally recognized image.
His personal life saw him based in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, where he passed surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his children, Melinda, Laurie, and Kyle, three grandchildren, and his brother, David McGinnis.
Robert E. McGinnis's death marks the end of an era for the art of movie poster design, but his work will continue to inspire artists and designers for generations to come. His legacy is woven into the fabric of cultural iconography, making his artistic voice immortal.