Production designer and visionary artist Syd Mead passed away peacefully at his home in Pasadena, California on Monday, December 30, 2019. Roger Servick, his spouse and business partner of 40 years was by his side and recalls his last words “I’m done here, they’re coming to take me back”. He was 86 years old.
Mead was best known for his artistic contributions to over 30 motion pictures including Blade Runner, Star Trek the Motion Picture, Tron, Aliens, and Mission Impossible III. He was often tasked with creating something man had never seen before, and he delivered.
Nelson Coates, President of the Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) recently released a statement on the passing of Syd Mead.
“On behalf of the Art Directors Guild, we are saddened to hear that Syd Mead has passed away at 86 and extend our condolences to his family and friends. As previously announced, the ADG was to honor Syd at our annual awards event on February 1 with the William Cameron Menzies Award and it is our plan to continue to recognize this inspiring talent.
Syd Mead has played a pivotal role in shaping cinema with his unique ability to visualize the future. His visions and illustrations of future technological worlds remain as a testament to his vast imagination. While we are sorry he was not able to experience the celebration in person, we know his presence will be felt as we acknowledge his contributions to the world of design in all forms.”
Mead is survived by his sister, Peggy Lee, and his spouse Roger Servick. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and appreciation and asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the City of Hope Cancer Research Center in Syd’s memory.
