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News had come out that Darth Vader actor David Prowse had passed away at the age of 85, and a lot of tributes have been going around to the former bodybuilder. One particular tribute comes from the father of Star Wars itself—George Lucas.
According to StarWars.com, Lucas wrote:
“David brought a physicality to Darth Vader that was essential for the character… He made Vader leap off the page and on to the big screen, with an imposing stature and movement performance to match the intensity and undercurrent of Vader’s presence. David was up for anything and contributed to the success of what would become a memorable, tragic figure. May he rest in peace.”
Though Prowse was best known for the portrayal of Vader, he had also starred in A Clockwork Orange as the muscular bodyguard of the author Frank Alexander, and THR also said that it was Prowse that helped Christopher Reeve bulk up for the part of Clark Kent when he was cast as the lead in Superman.
Even if James Earl Jones is the celebrity often recognized for Darth Vader, Prowse was part of the team that brought the character to life. His imposing stature have Vader a very specific presence in the films that made him iconic, and even if someone else has taken over the role for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you can tell that there was just a different kind of posture when it was Prowse under the suit.
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
For now, word is coming out that Vader could be appearing in the upcoming Obi-Wan series for Disney+, and that show is expected to debut sometime in 2022.
