David Prowse, the original Darth Vader, dies aged 85

[Omaha Steve]

Source: CNN

By Angela Dewan and Samantha Beech,

London (CNN)British actor David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, has died aged 85, his management company announced Sunday.

Prowse died after a short illness, according to his agent Thomas Bowington. CNN reported in 2018 that Prowse was being treated for prostate cancer.

"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," Bowington Management said on Twitter Sunday.

"May the force be with him, always!" his former agent, Thomas Bowington, said in a statement to the BBC.



David Prowse poses with a fan dressed up in a Darth Vader costume during a "Star Wars" convention on April 27, 2013 in Cusset, France.


Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/29/entertainment/david-prowse-darth-vadar-star-wars-dies-gbr-scli-intl/index.html

[Sherman A1]

1. RIP

[NurseJackie]

2. I always thought James Earl Jones was the only Darth Vader...

... interesting. I learned something new today. I'd never heard of Mr. Prowse until today.

RIP

[Codeine]

3. They needed someone huge for Vader.

Jones was a big guy, but Prowse was a beast. If you’ve ever seen A Clockwork Orange he’s the bodyguard for the old man who captures Alex near the end.

[OnlinePoker]

4. Here's a post from Reddit with Prowse as a young man and the poster's granddad.

https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/k36vm5/rip_to_dave_prowse_darth_vader_here_he_is_as_a/

He definitely was ripped.

[sarge43]

10. Jones gave Vader the Voice

Prowse gave him the Presence.

One of the greatest entrances on film, maybe the best.

[ChazInAz]

14. Prowse's voice was a mismatch.

Despite his imposing size, his voice was surprisingly high-pitched, and his Yorkshire accent ruined the menacing effect.
His Darth Vader sounded like the Black Knight in Monty Python, declaring "Tis but a flesh wound!"

[sarge43]

16. So I understand

Jones could read a laundry list and it would sound menacing or regal.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

20. I saw Jones playing King Lear

He was absolutely brilliant in that role.

[sarge43]

21. I can imagine

I love the country life, but there are times when I wish we lived near a major city like New York so I could attend events like that.

(Ah producers, about time for Shakespeare in an African setting - all black cast, the gorgeous regional clothing ala Black Panther, a Zulu MacBeth or Richard III)

[ChazInAz]

23. Oh, yes indeed!

When his Central Park production was broadcast, years ago, I was delighted to see an old college friend of mine in the cast. The Black actor who killed Cordelia was Franky Faison, a fellow graduate from the school of theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University.

[BumRushDaShow]

6. James Earl Jones only did the voice

which itself generated a lot of controversy back then.

[NurseJackie]

7. "This, is CNN."

[BumRushDaShow]

9. Yup and that rumbling voice is still there!!

Jones had played Alex Haley in "Roots: The Next Generations" opposite Marlon Brando's only television drama appearance (where Brando got his only Emmy too)!

That had been done just before the filming of "The Empire Strikes Back".

[Polybius]

18. James Earl Jones was the only Darth Vader, but only for his voice

He was never in the suit.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. Wow. R.I.P.

I knew he was one of the original "supporting" cast still around, in addition to Anthony Daniels (C3PO) and Ian McDiarmid (Emperor/Palpatine/Darth Sidious), but sorry to see that he has passed.





And he was apparently one of the oldest (not counting James Earl Jones who is 4 years older) -



As some might recall, there was quite a bit of controversy with this character and the lack of diversity of the cast (despite the casting of James Earl Jones for the voice, but with the perceptions and connotations that appeared to go along with that), which eventually lead to the appearance of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian in "The Empire Strikes Back".

Condolences to his family and thank you for the physicality of the character of "Darth Vader". R.I.P.

[Blue Dalek]

11. The picture you have of Darth Vader

without his mask just before Darth died, is not David Prowse.

Unknown to Prowse, a different actor was chosen for Darth Vader's death scene and David Prowse was never told he wouldn't be in the scene nor was he told the scene was being filmed.

[BumRushDaShow]

12. I know

I am a fan and saw the first one 10 times in the theater back in 1977.

As you notice - "all' of who made up that character of "Darth Vader" are in my post!

[niyad]

8. May the Force be with you, David.

[AllaN01Bear]

13. didnt alec guinness play vader at one point?

darth vader suit driver , silent key.

[Archae]

15. In the Benny Hill "Wishing Well" sketch, Prowse appeared.

He was the muscle guy who appeared.

[Nitram]

17. I believe the voice was far more important than the invisible man in the costume.

[FailureToCommunicate]

22. Many many "invisible" (costumed) actors, directors, and fans would disagree.

Even if you are **only** referencing those who brought Darth to life.

[Nitram]

24. Can you help me understand why they would disagree? The nature of the role and the costume itself

reduce movement, and acting, to a bare minimum, don't they?

[FailureToCommunicate]

19. That is sad news. I met and chatted with David Prowse at a disability conference. He was always

helping out good causes when not acting, such as safety PSAs and disability rights efforts.

All around great and funny guy!

R.I.P Mr Prowse.