J. Todd Anderson, Storyboard Artist for ‘The Nice Guys’ and Coen Brothers Films, Dies at 67

J. Todd Anderson, the storyboard artist recognized for his contributions to films such as “The Nice Guys” and “Raising Arizona,” as well as his long-standing partnership with the Coen Brothers, has passed away at the age of 67 following a battle with cancer.

His death was announced on October 3 via a Facebook post by George Willeman, his co-host on the “Filmically Perfect” podcast. “My erstwhile pod-partner, J. Todd Anderson, passed away October 2nd in California,” Willeman wrote. He noted that the two had recently reunited to discuss reviving their show, expressing hope that the podcast’s website would remain active for fans to access past episodes.

Anderson’s sister, Kimberly Patterson, also verified the news with the nonprofit FilmDayton, which shared the announcement on social media.

Anderson launched his career in the late 1980s working on the Coen Brothers’ comedy “Raising Arizona.” He went on to create storyboards for nearly all of their subsequent films, including “Miller’s Crossing,” “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski,” “The Ladykillers,” “True Grit,” “Hail, Caesar!”, and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.” His portfolio also included the Coens’ solo projects: Ethan’s “Drive-Away Dolls” and “Honey Don’t,” alongside Joel’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

Beyond his work with the Coens, Anderson served as a storyboard artist for a variety of other productions, including “Twister” (1989), “The Addams Family” (1991), “Whip It” (2009), “The Predator” (2018), and “The Nice Guys” (2016). He received three Art Directors Guild award nominations for his work on “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” and “Hail, Caesar!” Additionally, he directed the films “The Naked Man” in 1999 and “My Mummy” in 2008.

Born John Todd Anderson in Springfield, Ohio, he attended Wright State University, where the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures issued a tribute. The center highlighted Anderson as a diverse storyteller who directed two features, published a book of his “The Big Lebowski” storyboards, co-hosted “Filmically Perfect,” and wrote the words and music for the pop musical “Nativity.”

“He also generously shared his stories and knowledge with emerging filmmakers whenever they asked,” the tribute read. “Rest well, JT. We’ll raise a glass to you tonight.”