Steve Hayden, Co-Creator of Apple’s ‘1984’ Ad, Passes at 78

Steve Hayden, the visionary advertising executive behind some of the most influential campaigns of the modern era, died on Aug. 27 at the age of 78.

Hayden began his career as a copywriter at General Motors in Detroit. His career took off at Chiat/Day in the 1980s, where he partnered with Lee Clow and Brent Thomas to create Apple’s now-iconic “1984” Super Bowl ad. The cinematic spot, which launched the Macintosh computer, redefined how advertising and technology could tap into culture.

He later served as chairman and CEO of BBDO West, where he brought over and helped retain the Apple account for more than a decade, further solidifying his reputation as a creative force who could marry brand storytelling with business impact.

In 1994, Hayden became vice chairman and chief creative office