Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and numerous other Sci-Fi franchises wouldn’t have been the same with Ralph. If the name rings a mental bell, then you may recall his name in those “making of” books showing the concept art and evolutions: Threepio originally bore a close resemblance to Maria from Metropolis, etc.
When I was a kid, I’d often browse through those sketch collection at the mall book stores and think, “Wow, the original Stormtroopers sure looked pretty lame!” Thankfully I grew out of such silliness. I learned to appreciate the creative process, namely the work Ralph did for what was supposed to be Star Trek: Phase II.
Thanks Mr. McQuarrie! My childhood during the Seventies and early Eighties wouldn’t have been as cool without you.