David Prowse: Vader Actor Was a Giant Gentleman
Fans from everywhere will miss Darth Vader Actor, David Prowse
“Search your feelings. You know it to be true….” Search nothin’. I know what I am feeling and that is sad.
As we posted early this morning, David Prowse, the man behind Darth Vader’s mask in the Original Trilogy — and most importantly 1977’s Star Wars — passed away.
He was 85.
The Twitterverse Honors Vader Actor Prowse
Fans around the world taken to Twitter to celebrate the unique life of an eclectic person, whose relationship with Star Wars (and its progenitor). But the relationship between Prowse and his fans, there remain no doubts about that.
Even today, as fans mourn the man behind the mask, there were renewed calls for Prowse’s voice to be made the voice of Darth Vader in a special cut of the film.
To commemorate the life of David Prowse, Disney should release a cut of Star Wars with his dialogue not dubbed over by James Earl Jones.
— The Impossible Girl (@actuallyalice) November 29, 2020
And to be truthful, I am not certain that is a good idea.
RIP David Prowse, the Bristolian bodybuilder beneath Darth Vader’s suit and by all accounts a thoroughly un-Sith-ian chap. Here’s rare footage of him saying Vader’s lines on set. pic.twitter.com/M4RHbn7nZT
— Nick de Semlyen (@NickdeSemlyen) November 29, 2020
But, whether that was a tongue-in-cheek missive is not really important. Without the physical presence of Prowse, Darth Vader’s voice doesn’t matter. However, it’s clear that Mr. Prowse’s presence transcended Star Wars, and left a distinctly positive impression on just about everyone he met.
Vader Actor: Personable Prowse
[F]ans traded experiences of meeting the actor, who was also famous for being the Green Cross Code Man in a series of road safety adverts.
- Hayley Campbell tweeted: “When I was a kid my dad phoned from a comic convention and asked my mum if he could bring Darth Vader home for tea.
- “And that’s how Dave Prowse ended up in my house bitching about having his voice dubbed in Star Wars and how his wife made him keep his Vader statues in the garage.”
- Drake Force wrote: “He was truly a nice man, I saw and talked to him almost every weekend for 2+yrs often sat on the next signing table.
- “You could always tell Dave was in the room because of his huge presence. The most softly spoken person you could meet. I will miss seeing him.”
Moving beyond the personal reminiscences of his fans in Great Briton, the sentiment did NOT change.
Tweets About David…
Check out the volume of sentiment about David Prowse:
RIP… pic.twitter.com/qav1UF1oUW
— Kevin Feige (@Kevfeige) November 29, 2020
Lucasfilm was saddened to learn of the passing of David Prowse, who provided the commanding presence and imposing physical performance of Darth Vader for the Original Trilogy. He will be long remembered…https://t.co/U8Yua0mmoK pic.twitter.com/m2WGGlE3r1
— Star Wars (@starwars) November 29, 2020
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
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
Sad to hear of the passing of a #StarWars family member. RIP Dave Prowse. Darth Vader wouldn't be the same without you in the costume. We had many fun times & laughs at cons together over the years. Glad to have been able to call you a friend. Rest now and be one with the Force! pic.twitter.com/st28CQGckF
— Daniel Logan (@Daniel_Logan) November 29, 2020
More sad news. Dave has gone. I don’t think 3PO ever faced Vader’s mighty presence on set, other than as a bag of bits on Chewie’s shoulders in the carbon freezer. But Dave’s iconic figure dominated the finished film in '77 and has done so ever since. And will continue to do so.
— Anthony Daniels (@ADaniels3PO) November 29, 2020
RIP Dave Prowse. I hope you’re up there sharing a pint and a story with the boys. #DarthVader #DaveProwse #RIPDaveProwse #StarWars pic.twitter.com/XoUtq2YihW
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) November 29, 2020
RIP David Prowse. That stature contributed so much to Darth Vader’s legend. #BePeace https://t.co/0YWlZVolRV
— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) November 29, 2020
I met Dave Prowse a few years ago, he came up to my booth at a con, he wanted to buy my Star Wars posters. I insisted that they were a gift. He was so gracious and we had a lovely chat. He was still asking to pay me for them as he left, I think I said “Darth Vader doesn’t pay.” pic.twitter.com/kzsG0STlKD
— Matt Ferguson (@Cakes_Comics) November 29, 2020
Rest In Power David Prowse. The force is with you and your loved ones. Always has been. Always will be. #TimeToShineInTheLight pic.twitter.com/rFkyAJnZnW
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) November 29, 2020
Saddened to wake up to the news that my Twitter friend David Prowse passed away. David, a literal giant among men, played many roles in his career. His most famous role was being the misunderstood father who tried to give the universe to his very disobedient twins. #DarthVader
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) November 29, 2020
This photo fills me with such sadness today, after the death of David Prowse.
What feels like a long time is actually so fleeting… pic.twitter.com/MZNwZTx1U5
— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) November 29, 2020
This will be a thread of tribute to #DavidProwse, who was the physical form of #DarthVader. We all have celebrated the brilliance of @jamesearljones’ vocal performance as Vader—& rightfully so ❤️—but we must never forget the physical swag Mr. Prowse brought to the role. #Respect! https://t.co/YJwAnk1X6A
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) November 29, 2020
Sad to learn about the passing of David Prowse. @starwars was such a gigantic part of my childhood, all the actors were heroes to me. From Porkins to Vader. All heroes. Rest in power, Lord Vader. “David Prowse IS Darth Vader!” pic.twitter.com/C04nECTELl
— player/coach (@CMPunk) November 29, 2020
And The Maker himself, George Lucas — with whom Prowse had publically feuded — said:
Geroge Lucas on the passing of Darth Vader actor David Prowse. pic.twitter.com/AJGebTsCHG
— Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) November 29, 2020
May the Force be with you, Mr. Prowse. Thank you for all the fun.