Fantasy artist Frank Frazetta dies from stroke at age 82
May 10, 2010
Frank Frazetta, one of the most renowned fantasy illustrators of the 20th century, died this afternoon at a hospital near his home in Boca Grande, Fla. He was 82.
Frazetta had been out to dinner with his daughters Sunday but suffered a stroke at his Boca Grande home later that night and was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital, manager Rob Pistella said. A hospital spokeswoman confirmed the death, as did his daughter Heidi Frazetta Grabin.
"He's going to be remembered as the most renowned fantasy illustrator of the 20th Century," Pistella said.
Frazetta created covers and illustrations for more than 150 books and comic books, along with album covers, movie posters and original paintings. His illustrations of Conan the Barbarian, Tarzan, Vampirella and other characters influenced many later artists.
Frazetta owned a home in Marshalls Creek, where his family operated a museum displaying his works. The artwork was recently moved to another location, and will be put on tour some time in the future.
His children have fought over an estate estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, filing lawsuits in Pennsylvania and Florida.
His son, Alfonso Frank Frazetta, 52, was charged in December with using a backhoe to break into the family-run art museum and trying to remove 90 paintings insured for $20 million. The charges were dropped late last month after two days of mediation produced a truce.
Frazetta, whose stunning and energetic images influenced a generation, was regarded as one of the world's premier fantasy and comic book artists. His work dates back to the 1940s, when he did the "Li'l Abner" comic strip. His artwork appeared in many magazines, and he created art and illustrations for more than 150 books, album covers and movie posters.
Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
