Dave Prowse dead: Darth Vader actor passes away aged 85 after short illness
The Star Wars acting legend, born in Bristol, played the villain in the original trilogy though the character was voiced by James Earl Jones
Darth Vader actor Dave Prowse has died following a short illness, his agent has confirmed.
The Star Wars actor was aged 85 when he passed away.
Dave portrayed Luke Skywalker’s ominous nemesis in the original trilogy Star Wars films, although the character’s voice was famously provided by US actor James Earl Jones.
The Bristolian was reportedly nicknamed ‘Darth Farmer’ by his late Star Wars co-star Carrie Fisher, because of his strong West Country accent.
He landed the role due to his imposing physique and his history as a weightlifter.
He has been a familiar face on UK television for decades, with roles in Doctor Who in 1972, The Two Ronnies, The Kenneth Williams Show and The Morecambe & Wise Show.
In recent years he also starred in series Mission Backup Earth and Southern Troopers.
In 2014 it was reported that Prowse had been diagnosed with dementia, and he said in an interview with the Daily Mirror that “there’s nothing you can do”.
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