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Actor David Prowse played the villainous Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films, while actor James Earl Jones provided the voice.
Lucasfilm
David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films, died at the age of 85 from a short illness, the actor’s family and senior management team Saturday evening. Prowse’s death is “a truly and deeply heartbreaking loss for us and millions of fans around the world,” his agent Thomas Bowington told the BBC.
Prowse was best known for his role as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars movie trilogy which included A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Legend has it that Prowse was given alternate lines to say in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi so that the big reveal in the movies would be kept a secret. But due to his prominent British accent, his voice was considered unsuitable for the role of the intimidating sci-fi villain, so his dialogue was dubbed by the voice of the actor. James earl jones.
Prowse was also famous for his role as the British road safety character, Green Cross Code Man, who reminded children to “stop, look and listen” before crossing a street. This role has earned him the coveted award of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Prowse’s long career has included memorable characters in the films A Clockwork Orange, Horror of Frankenstein and Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell, as well as the TV shows The Saint, Space 1999 and Doctor Who.
He published his autobiography Straight from the Force’s Mouth in 2011.
“So sad to hear of the passing of David Prowse”, fellow Star Wars actor Mark Hamill tweeted on Sunday. “He was a nice man and more than Darth Vader … He loved his fans as much as they loved him.”
So sad to hear that David Prowse has passed away. He was a nice man and more than Darth Vader. Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 times British weightlifting champion and safety icon The Green Cross Code Man. He loved his fans as much as they loved him. #TEAR pic.twitter.com/VbDrGu6iBz
– Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) November 29, 2020
Young actor Boba Fett Daniel Logan also paid tribute. “It’s sad to hear of the passing of a Star Wars family member – RIP Dave Prowse,” Logan tweeted. “Darth Vader wouldn’t be the same without you in the costume.”
Sad to hear the passing of a #Star wars Member of the family. RIP Dave Prowse. Darth Vader wouldn’t be the same without you in the costume. We had a great time and laughed together though over the years. Glad I got to call you a friend. Rest now and be one with the Force! pic.twitter.com/st28CQGckF
– Daniel Logan (@Daniel_Logan) November 29, 2020
Star Wars fans took to social media to pay homage to Prowse and his legacy. Here are some of their comments.
I am very sad to hear the news of the passing of David Prowse. The short time I spent with him was nothing but nice to me. Star Wars has brought me so much joy and has been my friend since I was little. Working with Darth Vader will be a memory close to my heart ❤️ pic.twitter.com/02yogCGI6J
– Consetta Parker (@parkerpublicist) November 29, 2020
Sad to hear the passing of #DaveProwse ..The ultimate villain for many #Star wars fans all over the world .. I met him at a fan event and he was a gentleman with great stories … !! ☹️☹️ .. It goes without saying and to paraphrase this famous line .. “May the force be with him”. pic.twitter.com/tB1tsvR5jT
– Colin Craig (@collycomic) November 29, 2020
So many of the things that make Darth Vader so intimidating are because of David Prowse. He gave the Sith Lord a physicality that would make him an icon. What a legacy to leave behind. Rest in peace, Dave Prowse. You were a powerhouse. ?? pic.twitter.com/U98CB7dsgr
– Damien’s scary Merry Christmas. ?? (@lofivampire) November 29, 2020
I had the chance to meet #DaveProwse at Dallas Comic Con a few years ago, and he couldn’t have been nicer. The way he brought Vader to life onscreen through his physicality will live on forever. He was a staple in the midst of Star Wars and he will be sorely missed pic.twitter.com/KXeZwrBlpE
– Taylor (@Enerdtayment) November 29, 2020
We have learned that Dave Prowse has passed away. He played Darth Vader in the original trilogy, shown here in a rare unmasked moment on set with Boba Fett.
Here is his obituary confirmed a few moments ago by the BBC News: https://t.co/7kuDGV7TM2 ?
He was 85 years old. pic.twitter.com/h9rpahhzz8
– Boba Fett Fan Club (@bobafettfanclub) November 29, 2020
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