Terribly sad news reaches us today that Jonathan Rinzler, long-time Lucasbooks writer and editor, passed away peacefully at home on 28th July after an 11 month long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jonathan was born Aug. 17, 1962, to parents Alan and Marilyn Rinzler and spent his formative years in Berkeley, attending Berkeley High School with brothers Peter and Ben. He began his undergraduate studies at the Parsons School of Design, where he studied painting, an interest he continued throughout his adult life. Rinzler graduated from New York University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in comparative literature.
Rinzler had a prodigious career as a bestselling author of cinematic history books about Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and other 20th century blockbuster films. He joined Lucasfilm in 2001 and became the executive editor of its publishing arm, Lucasbooks. Over 15 years, he authored an extensive body of Star Wars-related publications, including The Making of Star Wars (a New York Times bestseller), The Making of The Empire Strikes Back, The Making of Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Blueprints, and The Sounds of Star Wars.
Fantha Tracks send their sincere condolences to Jonathan’s wife, Genevieve Rinzler, daughters Judith and Sarah and his wider family, colleagues, and friends, of which he had many.
