The “Star Wars” universe has lost a legend. David Prowse, who portrayed iconic villain Darth Vader in the franchise’s original trilogy, died on Saturday after a short illness. He was 85.
Prowse’s management company announced the news with “great regret and heart-wrenching sadness” on Twitter over the weekend. His agent, Thomas Bowington, told the BBC in a statement that Prowse will be remembered far beyond his work on “Star Wars.”
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
“Though famous for playing many monsters – for myself, and all who knew Dave and worked with him, he was a hero in our lives,” Bowington said.
James Earl Jones provided Darth Vader’s unforgettable and often-imitated voice, but it was Prowse who donned the caped black suit and helmet. His 6-foot-6-inch stature added to the character’s imposing presence.
“Star Wars'” own Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill, remembered Prowse with a social media tribute alongside a photo collection celebrating the actor’s career highlights over the years.
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
“So sad to hear David Prowse has passed. He was a kind man & much more than Darth Vader,” Hamill wrote. “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.”
May the Force be with Prowse and his loved ones.
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