British actor David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original ‘Star Wars’ trilogy, has died at the age of 85.
Prowse wore the Darth Vader costume in the original Star Warstrilogy, while James Earl Jones provided the villain’s iconic voice. At a towering 6 feet, 7 inches tall, the actor was originally offered a choice between the role of Vader or Chewbacca.
On Sunday morning, the actor’s management company shared on social media the news of his death as you can see below:
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
“with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world,” the post read.
Prowse’s official website added, “It has been an absolute pleasure working with this wonderful man over the years. He truly was a gentle giant, and one of the kindest celebrities you could ever meet.”
“So sad to hear David Prowse has passed,” Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker in the films, tweeted.
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
George Lucas had seen him in Clockwork Orange and offered him a part in the first Star Wars (1977).