Ronald Verne Strang

Ron Strang’s Early Life

In 1952, after graduating from high school, Ron Strang became an apprentice at Warner Bros. Drafted into the Korean War, he served as an illustrator in the Eighth Army. Upon returning to Los Angeles in 1956, Strang rejoined Warner Bros. He refined his craft by working alongside veteran scenic artists during the day while studying at the Chouinard Art Institute at night.

Ron Strang’s Hollywood Career

Ron Strang painted on more than 600 films during his career at Warner Bros. Karen Maness credits him with productions including My Fair Lady (1964), Camelot (1967), Cool Hand Luke (1967), 1941 (1979), The Exorcist (1973), and The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968). IMDb also credits Strang as a scenic artist on numerous Warner Bros. productions, reflecting the breadth of his career in Hollywood.

Warner Bros. Scenic Studio

In 1970, following in his father’s footsteps, Ron Strang became supervisor of the Warner Bros. scenic studio. He remained in that position until 1987, when he founded Superior Backings to serve the growing concert and live entertainment industry. Superior Backings produced large scenic backdrops for performers including Madonna, the Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac.

After Strang’s departure, his son Ed Strang became Warner Bros.’ scenic art supervisor. Karen Maness credits Ed Strang with supervising scenic painting for Ghostbusters (1984), Lethal Weapon (1987), Die Hard (1988), Batman Returns (1992), What Dreams May Come (1998), and The Perfect Storm (2000).

Ron Strang’s Legacy

Ron Strang helped bridge Hollywood’s traditional studio era and the expanding live entertainment industry through Superior Backings. His career reflects the continuing influence of Hollywood scenic artists across film, television, concerts, and large-scale entertainment productions.