David Prowse, the towering British actor best known for physically portraying one of cinema’s most iconic villains—Darth Vader—in the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away at the age of 85 following a short illness.
The news was confirmed by his representative, Thomas Bowington, who paid tribute on social media, calling Prowse “a true hero in our lives.” Speaking to the BBC, Bowington added that Prowse’s death is “a heartbreaking loss felt not only by us, but by millions of fans around the world.” He closed his message with a simple but powerful farewell: “May he always have the right strength.”
Before stepping into the dark armor of the Sith Lord, David Prowse lived an extraordinary life rooted in sport. A formidable bodybuilder and weightlifter, he was a world heavyweight weightlifting champion from 1962 to 1964. His imposing physique and disciplined presence soon opened the door to acting, and by the late 1960s, he had become a familiar face on British television.
Between 1967 and 1977, Prowse appeared in numerous TV programs, including his beloved role as the Green Cross Code Man, a superhero who taught children road safety in the UK. His film career was equally striking, with notable appearances in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971) and several Hammer horror films, where he portrayed fearsome figures such as Frankenstein’s monster (Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell, 1974). Off-screen, he also made his mark as a trainer, helping prepare Christopher Reeve for Superman and Cary Elwes for The Princess Bride.
Yet it was Star Wars that cemented his legacy forever. Personally invited by George Lucas after being noticed for his remarkable height (1.98 meters), Prowse was given a choice between two roles: Chewbacca or the Dark Lord of the Sith himself. He chose Vader without hesitation, later explaining, “Everyone remembers the villain.” History proved him right.
The character of Darth Vader was brought to life by three performers: Prowse provided the physical presence, James Earl Jones delivered the unforgettable voice, and Sebastian Shaw appeared unmasked. However, the decision to replace Prowse’s voice—due to his strong Bristol accent—and to reveal another actor’s face under the helmet deeply disappointed him. This tension eventually strained his relationship with Lucasfilm and led to his exclusion from official Star Wars events in 2010.
Despite the controversies, David Prowse’s contribution to cinema is undeniable. Though he has now left the stage of life, his imposing silhouette, measured movements, and the menace he embodied as Darth Vader remain etched in the collective memory of generations of fans.
The man behind the mask may be gone, but the legend endures—forever strong in the Force