British actor David Prowse, the man behind the Darth Vader mask in the original Star Wars films, has died at the age of 85.
The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Star Wars legend David Prowse has died after a short ilness. Prowse’s agent Thomas Bowington confirmed that the Darth Vader actor passed away on Saturday morning. His family did not release an immediate cause of death.
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. #DaveProwse @starwars #DarthVader #GreenCrossCodeMan #iconic #actor #bodybuilder #MBE pic.twitter.com/dL2RmdIqg8
— Bowington Management (@BowingtonM) November 29, 2020
A former bodybuilder and weightlifter-turned-actor, David Prowse was best known for providing the imposing frame of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films, with the character’s voice being dubbed by James Earl Jones. He was also a personal trainer and helped Christopher Reeve prepare for the role of Superman.
Before his work as Darth Vader, David Prowse was known for bringing the Frankenstein monster across three films — 1967’s Casino Royale, 1970’s The Horror of Frankenstein and 1974’s Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell. In 2000, Prowse was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his work as the Green Cross Code Man, a superhero created to promote a road safety campaign for children.
David Prowse’s Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill reacted to the news on his official Twitter page.
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 pic.twitter.com/VbDrGu6iBz
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) November 29, 2020
Rest in peace, David Prowse.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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