David Prowse, former 3-time world champion weightlifter, Green Cross Code Man, and - most relevant to us geeks - the man in the Darth Vader suit, has sadly passed away after battling a short illness. He was 85. Prowse was one of three actors to portray Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy where he served as the man in the suit, whilst James Earl Jones provided the voice (something Prowse said he knew nothing about until he saw Star Wars at it's premiere), and Sebastian Shaw, the face of Anakin Skywalker when Vader's helmet is removed near the end of Return of the Jedi. And while the voice may be iconic, and the face what we remember, let us not underestimate the importance of the physically intimidating presence Prowse brought to Vader - a vital cog in the machine that created a cinematic icon.
Such was the strength of the world class weightlifter, that he was banned from performing the lightsaber duels in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as he continually broke the poles used as stand-ins for the weapons.
Prowse was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February of 2009, but in early 2010 announced he had made a full recovery.
David Prowse retired from acting and public appearances near the end of 2017.
Fun fact: David Prowse was also the man who trained Christopher Reeve for his role in Superman (1978). Our condolences go out to the Prowse family. May the force be with you. Always.
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