Star Wars actor Dave Prowse has died aged 85 following a short illness, his agent has confirmed.
Dave was best known for playing Luke Skywalker’s father Darth Vader in the original trilogy Star Wars films from 1977 to 1983, although the character’s voice was provided by James Earl Jones.
He starred in the original Star Wars, The Empires Strike Back and Return of the Jedi.
He earned the iconic role due to his history as a weightlifter and his imposing physique.
Bristolian Dave was reportedly nicknamed “Darth Farmer” by his late co-star Carrie Fisher, because he had such a strong West Country accent.
Dave Prowse has died at the age of 85 after a short illness (Image: Loughborough Echo)
Bowington Management confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday morning, writing: “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 M.B.E. has passed away at the age of 85.”
His agent Thomas Bowington added: “May the force be with him, always!”
“Though famous for playing many monsters – for myself, and all who knew Dave and worked with him, he was a hero in our lives.”
He played the iconic Darth Vader in the original Star Wars triology (Image: Getty Images)
He also described Dave’s passing as “a truly and deeply heart-wrenching loss for us and millions of fans all over the world”.
Other roles that Dave starred in during his lengthy career was Doctor Who in 1972, The Kenneth Williams Show, The Morecambe & Wise Show and The Two Ronnies.
He also first kick-started his career in Hollywood by training the late actor Christopher Reeve for his role in Superman, acting as his personal trainer.
However, the role he revealed he was most proud of was playing the Green Cross Code Man – who helped educate millions of children in the UK how to cross the road.
After being awarded an MBE for his work in road safety in 2000, he said the role was the “best job I ever had”.
He leaves behind his wife Norma E Scammell, who he married in 1963 and shares three children with.
Film director Edgar Wright paid tribute, describing him as the man who “stopped a whole generation of kiddies from being mown down in the street”.
He said: “As a kid Dave Prowse couldn’t be more famous to me; stalking along corridors as evil incarnate in the part of Darth Vader & stopping a whole generation of kiddies from being mown down in street as the Green Cross Code man. Rest in Peace, Bristol’s finest.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
