Greg Hildebrandt was an American fantasy and science fiction illustrator who worked with his twin brother Tim. The two men are best known for their illustrations of The Lord of the Rings and the first Star Wars poster, as well as for their comic book and card illustrations.
Greg died on October 31, 2024, at the age of 85, losing his months-long battle with a breathing issue suffered as a result of a heart medication side effect.
Greg had the opportunity to meet Michael Jackson at the end of the 80s and evoked on his website, at the time of Michael’s death in 2009, his moments spent with the singer discussing Art:
“I had the chance and opportunity to spend time with Michael in 1988, during his Bad Tour, and in 1989 at his Neverland ranch.
In 1988, Michael invited me to spend ten days with him during his tour. He was then performing at the Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey (concerts on October 3, 4 and 5, 1988 in East Rutherford). Since I live in New Jersey, I told him that I would be happy to go to East Rutherford but he insisted on getting me a suite at the Helmsley Palace in New York.
We spent many hours together and I went to every concert with him. It was truly a wonderful experience.
What struck me from the first moment I met Michael was how smart he was. I knew his music of course and knew what an incredible artist he was, but I had no idea of his great passion for art and art history. He was particularly passionate about the great American illustrators. We spent many hours talking about Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth (Michael had met his son, Andy Wyeht), Howard Pyle, Jesse Wilcox Smith and of course his favorite, Norman Rockwell.
Michael sent an armored truck to my studio and had over 150 of my paintings brought back. They were spread out all over the suite and we spent time discussing my art and classical literature.
Michael was also an avid book collector and I was surprised to discover that he owned every single one of the books I had illustrated. But my biggest surprise was when he asked me to give him drawing lessons. I quickly realized that he had a natural talent for art.
We would sit and sketch, chat and eat popcorn. It was very laid back and enjoyable.
Michael was also a big fan of animated films and he loved Disney films. He really wanted to get down to filmmaking. Unfortunately, this never happened.
In 1989, Michael asked me to come to Neverland. I spent nine days with him at his ranch. It was obvious that Michael was trying to create the childhood he never had. And, again, it was a great experience. A very special moment in my life.
Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, and I hope the world will remember him that way. This is his legacy.
But for those who had the opportunity to spend time with him, he was so much more. Michael was smart, funny, passionate, and caring. He had more energy than anyone I’d ever known. He was a brilliant artist. He loved life.
He will be missed. We wish him a safe journey.”
In 1989, Michael asked Greg Hildebrandt to make a painting of him as Peter Pan for his Neverland ranch. The illustrator worked on several sketches, depicting parts of the painting that were then assembled into a single sketch. Unfortunately, the project stopped at this stage.
In 1992, Hildebrandt was commissioned by a Los Angeles producer to create a painting as a pre-production for a film titled Adam at Midnight, starring Michael in the lead role. The artist has made several sketches, where Michael is seen transforming into a superhero. The film will not see the light of day in the end.
