Today, there is great sadness within the Force. David Prowse, best known for playing Darth Vader in STAR WARS, EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI, has passed away. The actor was 85 years old. Here is the statement made by his manager:
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
Prowse was actually a former bodybuilder, which is something I never knew, but makes total sense! He worked on many projects like the original versions of CASINO ROYALE, THE SAINT and DOCTOR WHO. George Lucas took note of Prowse’s intimidating 6’6″ frame in 1971’s A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and decided to cast him as either Vader or Chewbacca. David chose to play Vader (with James Earl Jones doing the voice) because, as he stated, “You always remember the bad guys.” He was correct in more ways than one. We WILL always remember you, Mr. Prowse. Rest in peace.
