English Bodybuilder, Weightlifter and Character Actor. In a career that spanned 50 years, the massive 6'6" actor will best be remembered for physically portraying Darth Vader in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy. Prior to landing the famous role, he was a familiar face on UK television as the first Green Cross Code Man, a character used in road safety advertising aimed at children. Well known in bodybuilding competitions in the 1960's and '70s, he competed at the Commonwealth Games and represented England against the likes of Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was also the personal trainer for Christopher Reeve while he prepared for the physical transformation into Superman. In 1976, Prowse initially auditioned for both the roles of Darth Vader and Chewbacca, landing the role of one the the most famous villains in cinematic history. His West Country accent wasn't used in the final cut, Darth Vader's lines were dubbed by James Earl Jones. Among films he also had roles in were the James Bond spoof 'Casino Royale,' and the Hammer Horror films 'Horror Of Frankenstein' and 'Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell.' In his later career, he became a popular force on the fan convention circuit, however after a falling-out with 'Star Wars' producer George Lucas in 2010, he was banned from events.
English Bodybuilder, Weightlifter and Character Actor. In a career that spanned 50 years, the massive 6'6" actor will best be remembered for physically portraying Darth Vader in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy. Prior to landing the famous role, he was a familiar face on UK television as the first Green Cross Code Man, a character used in road safety advertising aimed at children. Well known in bodybuilding competitions in the 1960's and '70s, he competed at the Commonwealth Games and represented England against the likes of Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was also the personal trainer for Christopher Reeve while he prepared for the physical transformation into Superman. In 1976, Prowse initially auditioned for both the roles of Darth Vader and Chewbacca, landing the role of one the the most famous villains in cinematic history. His West Country accent wasn't used in the final cut, Darth Vader's lines were dubbed by James Earl Jones. Among films he also had roles in were the James Bond spoof 'Casino Royale,' and the Hammer Horror films 'Horror Of Frankenstein' and 'Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell.' In his later career, he became a popular force on the fan convention circuit, however after a falling-out with 'Star Wars' producer George Lucas in 2010, he was banned from events.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
Advertisement
See more Prowse memorials in:
Flower Delivery
Explore more
Advertisement
