ACTOR · BORN 1935 · DIED 2020
David Prowse
- Born
- 1 July 1935
- Died
- 29 November 2020
42 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (42)
- #001
For many years, David Prowse, who physically portrayed Darth Vader, and James Earl Jones, who gave the character his voice, never met face to face. Prowse often brought this up at conventions he attended in his later years, and he eventually announced that he had met Jones in 2012. The meeting was a significant moment, as the two had long created the same character together yet were seeing each other for the first time.
- #002
In an interview, Prowse admitted that he only learned his voice had been replaced with James Earl Jones's on the opening night of 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope'. The admission reveals how isolated his experience on set was and that he saw the film's final version only by watching it alongside the audience. The situation went down in cinema history as a striking example of the secrecy surrounding the production and the lack of communication among the cast.
- #003
Because he kept breaking the poles used in the lightsaber scenes of the first 'Star Wars' film, Prowse was prevented from taking part in the duels in the next two films. The task was handed to swordsman Bob Anderson, who also prepared the choreography; Anderson wore platform shoes to make up for the height difference and was generally shot from low angles. The acrobatic movements in Vader's lightsaber scenes were therefore Anderson's performance, not Prowse's.
- #004
Prowse took on the job of training lead actor Christopher Reeve for the 1978 film 'Superman'. The training played a critical role in preparing Reeve physically for the role of Superman and showed how Prowse applied his expertise in bodybuilding and strength within the film world. The experience also proved that he was not merely a costumed performer but a skilled trainer as well.
- #005
Despite achieving worldwide fame as Darth Vader, Prowse often said that he was proudest of his career for the Green Cross Code Man character. The character was part of a public information campaign made to teach road safety to children in the United Kingdom. For Prowse, the role carried special meaning because it was work that directly benefited society.
- #006
With Sebastian Shaw shown as the face behind Darth Vader's mask in 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi', Vader became the first recurring character in cinema history portrayed by three different actors at once. In this three-way division of labour, Prowse represented the body, James Earl Jones the voice and Sebastian Shaw the face. The situation was a unique example of how different talents came together to create the character.
- #007
Before beginning his acting career, Prowse was a serious weightlifter and won championships in the field. His physical strength and imposing physique made him an ideal candidate for physically demanding roles such as Darth Vader. His weightlifting past also shaped the discipline and understanding of strength that formed the foundation of his film career.
- #008
The DVD of the 'Star Wars' making-of documentary includes three separate clips in which Prowse delivers Darth Vader's lines in his own voice. The clips are among the rare footage showing his performance on set and how he brought his own interpretation to the character. For fans, these recordings reveal Prowse's potential to bring Vader to life not only with his body but with his voice as well.
- #009
In an interview, Prowse complained that he felt he had not received enough recognition for his work as Darth Vader. The complaint reflected his feeling that his contribution to creating the character had been overlooked. In particular, having his voice dubbed by another actor reduced his visibility, and this at times caused frustration.
- #010
George Lucas chose Prowse to wear the Darth Vader costume in 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' because of his height. However, Prowse's pronounced English accent led Lucas to prefer James Earl Jones for Vader's voice. This decision meant the character was shaped both visually and aurally by the talents of two different actors.
- #011
Prowse's Darth Vader performance in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy placed 84th on Premiere Magazine's '100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time' list. The ranking indicates how greatly his physical presence and bearing contributed to the character becoming iconic. Vader's imposing presence on screen rested largely on Prowse's body language.
- #012
Among the directors he worked with on the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, Prowse said he liked Irvin Kershner, who directed 'The Empire Strikes Back', the most. In an interview, he said he found Kershner extremely helpful and supportive towards the actors. The praise shows how positive an effect Kershner's democratic and collaborative approach on set had on the cast.
- #013
In the 1967 film 'Casino Royale', Prowse played a character known only as 'The Master', whose appearance resembled Frankenstein's Creature. Although the character appears in the film for only a few seconds, Prowse left an unforgettable impression by using his physical features. Despite being referred to as 'The Master', the character's name appears neither in the dialogue nor in the credits.
- #014
At the peak of his physical condition, Prowse stood 6 feet 6 inches (about 1.98 metres) tall. His extraordinary height was a decisive factor both in his bodybuilding career and in his playing gigantic characters on screen. This height advantage played a critical role especially in creating an imposing figure such as Darth Vader.
- #015
Prowse was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2009. In February 2010, however, he announced publicly that he had fully recovered after intensive radiotherapy treatment at a hospital in London. His fans followed the health struggle with great concern, and news of his recovery was met with joy.
- #016
Prowse attended the first Central American Star Wars Convention, held in Guatemala City on 27-28 July 2002. At the event, he and Jeremy Bulloch, who portrayed Boba Fett, talked with fans about his role as Darth Vader in the original trilogy. Such conventions were important platforms where Prowse interacted directly with fans and shared behind-the-scenes stories of the character.
- #017
In 1983, shortly before the release of 'Return of the Jedi', the British newspaper The Daily Mail published an article hinting at Vader's fate in the film. Because another actor replaced Prowse in the scene where Vader's mask is removed, the leak was suspected to have come from him. Prowse consistently denied the claim, since he was unaware of the film's overall plot; a documentary released in 2015 revealed that the real source of the leak was an unnamed crew member.
- #018
Prowse holds the distinction of being the only actor to portray Frankenstein's Monster in two different Hammer Film Productions releases: 'The Horror of Frankenstein' (1970) and 'Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell' (1974). The two films reinforced his presence in horror cinema and, by taking on this physically demanding role twice, made him an important part of the genre.
- #019
In 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971), Prowse played part of the wheelchair-bound assistant to the character portrayed by Patrick Magee. He was given the role thanks to his ability to lift and carry Magee. Prowse recounted that director Stanley Kubrick did not have a 'one-take' approach and that he had to repeat the scene many times. During filming, when a recording technician noticed a strange sound, it turned out to come from the microphone on Prowse picking up his heartbeat.
- #020
Prowse appeared as a strongman in the famous 'Wishing Well' sketch that opened the first season of 'The Benny Hill Show'. The sketch was used by the programme's American syndication to promote it to television stations in the United States. This early television experience of Prowse's also showed his presence in comedy and variety programmes.
- #021
David Prowse appeared in two productions nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971) and 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' (1977). Both films rank among the most influential works in cinema history and stand as the most notable milestones of Prowse's career. These nominations proved him a versatile actor capable of appearing in films across different genres.
- #022
In 2000, Prowse was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's Millennium Honours List for his contributions to charity and road safety. The honour showed that he was appreciated not only as a film actor but also as an activist serving the community. His contributions to children's safety, particularly through the Green Cross Code Man character, were decisive in the award.
- #023
Prowse played the Green Cross Code Man, the face of the road safety campaign launched by the UK government to teach children how to cross the road safely. The character reached millions of children through television commercials in the 1970s and 1980s and gave Prowse a lasting impact on society. The role became one of his best-known characters after Darth Vader.
- #024
Before beginning his film career, Prowse worked as an apprentice engineer at BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) in Bristol. His technical training during this period contributed to his development of a disciplined and hardworking work ethic. However, his physical strength and interest in bodybuilding soon steered him toward a different career path.
- #025
Prowse appeared as a famous attraction at the Toys4BigBoys toy store in Dublin, Ireland. These kinds of events were special days on which he met fans and signed collectibles. Prowse's appearances at such venues showed his place in popular culture and his strong bond with his fan base.
- #026
After his retirement, Prowse stopped giving autographs in person. This decision came together with his withdrawal from public events due to health problems and his age. For his fans, it meant the end of opportunities to interact with him directly.
- #027
Prowse announced that he was retiring from acting and public appearances due to his deteriorating health. The retirement had initially been scheduled to take effect in January 2018, but on his doctors' advice he moved the decision forward to November 2017. This sudden withdrawal was a sad development for his fans and for the film world.
- #028
Prowse had a great passion for motorcycles and owned many of them in the early years of his career. This interest was a reflection of his adventurous and free-spirited personality. For him, motorcycles were not merely a means of transport but also a lifestyle.
- #029
Before retiring from public appearances at the age of 83, Prowse attended Star Wars, science fiction and autograph conventions, sitting and signing items for fans for eight hours without stopping. His claim that he took no toilet or meal breaks during that time showed his dedication to his fans and his endurance. This devoted attitude made him one of the legendary names of the convention circuit.
- #030
Prowse ran a gym in London called 'The Dave Prowse Fitness Centre'. His brother, Bob Prowse, managed it for him until he opened his own health club in Maidstone. This venture showed that Prowse turned his expertise in bodybuilding and fitness into a commercial success.
- #031
Prowse and Spencer Wilding formed an interesting parallel by playing three different characters over the course of their careers. Both played Frankenstein's Monster in different productions; Prowse in 'Casino Royale' (1967), 'The Horror of Frankenstein' (1970) and 'Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell' (1974), and Wilding in 'Victor Frankenstein' (2015). Prowse also played the Minotaur in two episodes of 'The Time Monster', while Wilding took on the same role in 'Wrath of the Titans' (2012). Finally, both brought different characters to life in the 'Star Wars' universe.
- #032
On 3 October 2004, Prowse attended as a special guest the first science fiction convention in the northwest of England, held at Lancaster and Morecambe College. The event was an important meeting point for science fiction fans in the region, and Prowse's participation raised the convention's prestige. His support for such local events strengthened his bond with his fans.
- #033
Prowse attended the Collectormania 7 event held in Milton Keynes, England. The event was an important collectors' fair where actors met fans and gave autographs. Prowse's participation in such organisations showed that he continued his presence in popular culture events.
- #034
In the final period of his life, Prowse lived in Croydon, part of London, the capital of England. This residence was part of his life in England, where he spent most of his career. Croydon became an important centre in both his personal and professional life.
- #035
Prowse was a close friend of the famous British actor David Jason from the very beginning of Jason's television career. This long-lasting friendship showed the pair's loyalty and respect for each other. Prowse, who witnessed Jason's rise in his career, was an important supporter in both his personal and professional life.
- #036
Prowse was educated at Bristol Grammar School in Bristol, where he studied in the same year as the actors Julian Glover and Timothy West. The school gave him an early connection with names he would later encounter in the film world, as well as his education. This coincidental association showed how early the connections in his career began to form.
- #037
After Prowse's death, his body was cremated and his ashes were given to his wife, Norma Prowse, who would outlive him by three years. This wish was a sign of his love and devotion to his wife. Norma Prowse's death meant the end of the couple's long union.
- #038
Prowse appeared in three films selected for the National Film Registry by the American Library of Congress as being of 'cultural, historical or aesthetic' importance: 'A Clockwork Orange', 'Star Wars' and 'The Empire Strikes Back'. These films rank among the most influential works in cinema history, and Prowse's presence in them showed how wide-ranging his career was. These selections also revealed the lasting value of the films he appeared in.
- #039
Prowse was the father of a son named James Prowse. Fatherhood was an important part of his life, and his relationship with his family was a private area that remained in the shadow of his career. James Prowse continued to keep his father's legacy alive.
- #040
Prowse was the only actor still alive at that time who played the same character in all three films of the original 'Star Wars' trilogy. However, he did not repeat the role in either the prequel trilogy (1999-2005) or the sequel trilogy (2015-2019). This made his identification with Vader all the more special and ensured the character's consistency across the trilogy.
- #041
In the early 1960s, Prowse entered the Mister Universe bodybuilding championship, but was disqualified at the start of the trials because of his unattractive and shapeless bare feet. The incident was a disappointment in his bodybuilding career, yet it became a turning point that steered him toward cinema. The experience showed that his physical appearance did not always work to his advantage.
- #042
In 1968, Prowse appeared in a Tonka toy commercial directed by Sir Ridley Scott. The commercial was one of the rare projects in which his real voice was used, since for most of his career his voice was dubbed by other actors. This early work demonstrated his experience in advertising and his collaboration with a major director such as Scott.
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