David Prowse, Original Darth Vader Actor Passes Away

“You always remember the bad guys”

- David Prowse in an interview when asked why he chose to play Vader instead of Chewbacca when he auditioned for both roles.

the hulking physique of Prowse can be seen in the costume of Darth Vader throughout the original trilogy, however the famous voice was recorded by James Earl Jones due to Prowse’s “Country Bristolian” English accent.

Prowse’s management company Bowington Management confirmed that the actor died following a short illness, writing on Twitter “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.”

Prowse was asked to audition for the role of Darth Vader and Chewie after Lucas saw him in Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange”

Prowse, 2nd from left with fellow cast mates Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Kenny Baker, Peter Mathew and Mark Hamill