Dave Prowse, the man behind the Darth Vader mask in the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away at the age of 85.
Prowse made his film debut in the 1967 James Bond spoof Casino Royale, playing Frankenstein’s Monster. His played the role again in two Hammer horror films, 1970’s Horror Of Frankenstein and 1974’s Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell. He also appeared in A Clockwork Orange and dozens of other films and TV shows in a career that spanned over 50 years.
It was his role as Darth Vader, however, that gave him cinematic immortality. Although he provided the character’s imposing figure, his face was never seen in the films, and actor James Earl Jones provided Vader’s voice.
Prowse, however, was most proud of playing the Green Cross Code Man in a British public service campaign that promoted road safety in the UK. His work led to him being named a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
His 6 ft., 6 in. frame made him a popular figure in the weightlifting world, and he represented England at the Commonwealth Games in the early 1960s. He also became good friends with bodybuilders Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, who would each go on to Hollywood fame. Prowse also served as personal trainer for Christopher Reeve as he bulked up or the role of Superman in 1978.
His other TV appearances included The Saint, Space 1999 and Doctor Who.
Since the 1990s, Prowse was a fixture at Star Wars conventions, and was a fan favorite, due to his personable nature. He retired from the convention circuit in 2018 due to health issues.
The Wrap is reporting that Prowse died after a battle with prostate cancer.
This interview featuring Prowse and Mark Hamill, by Bobbie Wygant of NBC affiliate KXAS in Dallas, is from 1980 and was part of the press tour for The Empire Strikes Back.
He is survived by is wife, Norma Scammell, and three children.
Our condolences to his family, friends, and millions of fans.