Update: In an interview with UK's The Sun, Rachel Prowse, daughter of Star Wars actor David Prowse, confirmed that her father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, had been hospitalized for the last two weeks with COVID-19. Confirming her father's passing, Rachel said, “It’s horrible that Covid restrictions meant we did not get to see him and say goodbye. But when we went to collect his stuff from the hospital the nurse said what a cool guy he was. He was such a larger-than-life character. He would have loved to see himself trending on Twitter.”
Sadly, coronavirus restrictions will prevent the family from hosting “a big celebration of his life” for the late legend, adding, “we are not going to be able to do the send-off we would have wanted for him.”
While Mr. Prowse is no longer with us, his legacy will live on through the hearts and minds of countless Star Wars fans for generations to come. May he rest in peace knowing that he left a lasting mark on pop culture as well as those he'd chosen to call friends and family.
Original Article:
Today, there is great sadness within the Force. David Prowse, best known for playing Darth Vader in STAR WARS, EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI, has passed away. The actor was 85 years old. Here is the statement made by his manager:
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
Prowse was actually a former bodybuilder, which is something I never knew, but makes total sense! He worked on many projects like the original versions of CASINO ROYALE, THE SAINT and DOCTOR WHO. George Lucas took note of Prowse's intimidating 6'6" frame in 1971's A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and decided to cast him as either Vader or Chewbacca. David chose to play Vader (with James Earl Jones doing the voice) because, as he stated, "You always remember the bad guys." He was correct in more ways than one. We WILL always remember you, Mr. Prowse. Rest in peace.
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