Derrick Kardos, 'Black Swan' Graphic Designer, Dies at 53 -

Derrick Kardos, ‘Black Swan’ Graphic Designer, Dies at 53

Derrick Kardos, the acclaimed graphic designer behind films like Black Swan, The Departed, and American Gangster, has died at 53 from Long COVID complications. His distinguished career spanned decades of influential work in film and television, earning him numerous accolades including an Art Directors Guild award.

Derrick Kardos, Acclaimed Film Graphic Designer, Dies at 53

Derrick Kardos, the celebrated graphic designer known for his work on films including The Manchurian Candidate, The Departed, and Black Swan, has died at age 53 due to complications from Long COVID on July 18, 2023.

Distinguished Career in Film and Television

Beginning his career as an assistant to producer Christine Vachon at Killer Films, Kardos quickly established himself as a talented graphic designer in Hollywood. His collaboration with production designer Thérèse de Prez led to work on numerous acclaimed films, including:

Black Swan (2010) – Winner of Art Directors Guild Award
The Departed (2006)
American Gangster (2007)
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Legacy and Achievements

Kardos’s work earned him multiple accolades, including an Art Directors Guild award for Black Swan and nominations for Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close and the Peacock series Poker Face. His contributions to American Gangster were instrumental in the film’s Oscar nomination for art direction.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Beyond his professional achievements, Kardos was known for his work as The House of Diabolique in the East Village music scene. In his final years, he became a passionate advocate for Long COVID research and disability recognition. He is survived by his father Paul, siblings Donald, David, and Michelle, and his beloved Bengal cats.

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Derrick Kardos, ‘Black Swan’ Graphic Designer, Dies at 53

Derrick Kardos, the talented graphic designer behind films like ‘The Departed,’ ‘Black Swan,’ and ‘American Gangster,’ has died at 53 from Long COVID complications. His distinguished career included an Art Directors Guild award and collaborations with acclaimed directors like Scorsese and Aronofsky.