David Prowse, the original Darth Vader, dies at 85
Actor David Prowse, best known for physically portraying the role of the antagonist Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, has died at the age of 85 following a brief illness, according to his agent. Prowse’s agent Thomas Bowington confirmed the news of the actor’s death on early Saturday morning to The Guardian. “It’s with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world, to announce that our client Dave Prowse MBE has passed away at the age of 85,” Bowington said in a statement.
Jason Joiner, an events producer who worked with Prowse, also announced the death on a Facebook page dedicated to the actor. “Dave was dedicated to meeting the fans for decades and lots of fans’ first ever guest they met was Dave in the early days of Comic Cons and collators’ events. Dave was larger than life and he will be so very much missed. Our love and thoughts go out to his family,” Joiner said.
Mark Hamill, who played Prowse’s on-screen son Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” films, paid rich tributes to the late actor on Twitter. “So sad to hear David Prowse has passed. He was a kind man & much more than Darth Vader. Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 time British Weightlifting Champion & Safety Icon the Green Cross Code Man. He loved his fans as much as they loved him. #RIP (sic)” Hamill wrote.
Formerly a bodybuilder, Prowse had featured in a series of roles as monsters and villains before being invited by “Star Wars” director George Lucas to audition for the roles of Vader and the endearing Chewbacca.
The actor chose to try out for the part of Vader, who went on to become one of the most iconic villains in popular culture, and when asked why, he replied, “Everyone remembers the villain.”
