Esteemed Disney Costume Designer, Shawna Trpcic, Dead at 56

There are so many pieces that have to fit together perfectly to make a television show or movie successful. The actors have to have good chemistry, the story has to be strong, and the music has to evoke the right emotions. Another critical piece is the costuming. The right costume can transport the viewer to the time and place you want them to be. Costume designers create some of the most beautiful and artistic outfits you will ever see.

One of the more interesting facets of costume design is having to design something that has never been seen before. Fantasy and science-fiction movies require creating outfits that don’t look like the average piece of clothing. And it takes someone incredibly talented to make those outfits stand out.

At Disney, one of those people was Emmy-nominated costume designer, Shawna Trpcic. Trpcic has worked with Disney as a part of the Lucasfilm family on some of its most popular shows. Trpcic served as costume designer on The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and the new hit show from Disney+, Ahsoka.

Sadly, we have learned that Trpcic died unexpectedly on October 4 at her home in Palm Desert. She was just 56 years old.

Her daughter, Sarah, confirmed her mother’s death. Trpcic’s rep, Tim Kressman, released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Shawna was one of Hollywood’s pre-eminent science fiction costume designers — a creative force, a trusted collaborator and all-around delightful person for her friends and colleagues. She was a beloved member of the Star Wars/Lucasfilm family as well as the community of costume designers and the Costume Designers Guild.

Shawna was a dear friend and a dream client to work with.”

Although Trpcic had not been with Lucasfilm for long, she quickly became a beloved and critical member of the team.

Dave Filoni, who has created, written, and produced a number of Star Wars shows — including Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars: The Bad Batch — released a moving statement upon learning of Trpcic’s death.

“Shawna had a deep love and appreciation for Star Wars. You can see that in every piece of work she did with us. She loved everything about being a part of these stories, including connecting with fans and being a part of that community. I feel like she has always been a part of Star Wars. Her costumes tell a story, providing the suggestion of a life experience that happened before the cameras rolled. I loved collaborating with Shawna, and I will miss her presence.”

Jon Favreau, also an executive producer on Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and The Book of Boba Fett, said that Trpcic, “will be deeply missed both as a friend and as a colleague.”

Shawna loved her Star Wars family and working on the shows as much as they loved having her there. In August, Trpcic spoke about what it meant to work on such iconic stories.

“What I enjoy about Star Wars … is I have total freedom within that genre. I find the challenge of creating something from nothing incredible. I love creating worlds. I love it when we go to a new planet. I love establishing a caste system within the planet: the workers, the government, the bosses. I love creating a believable society on each planet.”

Shawna Trpcic (born Shawna Leavell) was born in Artesia, Califonia, in 1966. In high school, Trpcic had dreams of being a truck driver after she graduated. However, one of her art teachers saw the immense talent that she had and encouraged her to pursue art. Trpcic went on to attend the elite Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles, California.

Trpcic got her start in Hollywood in 1990, when she worked on the film, Mom. From there, she worked on a number of hit films and television shows, including Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Angel, Firefly, Witches of East End, and The Spongebob The Movie: Sponge on the Run.

Throughout her career, Trpcic’s talent earned her much praise, and even prestigious award nominations and wins. Trpcic was nominated for Emmy Awards for her work on season three of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. She won a Costume Designers Guild Award for her work on The Book of Boba Fett.

In addition to her daughter Sarah, Trpcic also leaves behind a son, Joseph. A GoFundMe has been started to help her family during this difficult time.