The Star Wars franchise lost a valuable cast member, Dave Prowse (85) who played Darth Vader has died. Thomas Bowington, Prowes’ agent made the announcement on Sunday, November 29 saying : “May the force be with, always.”
He was a bodybuilder and his list of movies included Horror of Frankenstein (1970) and Frankenstein and Monster from Hell (1974).
When Prowse didn’t snatch the role of Superman in the 1978 movie, he instead graciously helped train Christopher Reeves for the role. He announced his retirement from public appearances and events in October 2016, due to illness and family commitments.
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
“Though famous for playing many monsters – for myself, and all who knew Dave and worked with him, he was a hero in our lives,” Bowington said.
The actor died after a short illness, which was “a truly and deeply heart-wrenching loss for us and millions of fans all over the world”.
He is survived by his wife since 1963, Norma Scammell, and their three children.