Darth Vader actor Dave Prowse dies aged 85
Dave Prowse, the former bodybuilder from Bristol best known for playing Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy and the Green Cross Code Man, has died aged 85, his agent confirmed.
Prowse won the role playing Vader due to his impressive 6ft 6in physique, but with his West Country accent deemed not quite suitable, the part was instead voiced by James Earl Jones.
The towering performer also earned an MBE for playing the Green Cross Code Man to promote road safety.
Tributes have poured in for the star, including co-stars from Star Wars.
Mark Hamill has hailed his co-star Dave Prowse as “a kind man” who was “much more than Darth Vader”
Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker opposite Prowse, 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.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub