David Prowse's Star Wars [1] costars, friends, and fans are remembering the Darth Vader actor after he died at the age of 85 following a short illness [2]. Bowington Management, who represented David, confirmed the news in a statement on Twitter Nov. 29 [3]. Over the weekend, both Star Wars celebrities and fans alike mourned the loss of a science fiction powerhouse and shared messages remembering his legacy. David, who originally almost played Chewbacca due to his immense height, is best known for portraying the physical form of Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi.
"Lucasfilm was saddened to learn of the passing of David Prowse [4], who provided the commanding presence and imposing physical performance of Darth Vader for the Original Trilogy," the official Star Wars account shared on Nov. 29. "He will be long remembered." David's original trilogy costars including Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and Star Wars creator George Lucas, also shared heartfelt memories and tributes to the late actor. Ahead, you can see how celebrities are honouring David's memory.
Mark Hamill
"So sad to hear David Prowse has passed [6]. 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"
George Lucas
"David brought a physicality to Darth Vader [7] that was essential for the character. He made Vader leap off the page and on to the big screen, with an imposing stature and movement performance to match the intensity and undercurrent of Vader's presence. David was up for anything and contributed to the success of what would become a memorable, tragic figure. May he rest in peace."
The Peter Mayhew Foundation
"RIP Dave Prowse [8]. I hope you're up there sharing a pint and a story with the boys. #DarthVader #DaveProwse #RIPDaveProwse #StarWars"
Pedro Pascal
"No words. #RIP #DavidProwse [9]"
Cary Elwes
"I was fortunate enough to have #DaveProwse [10] train me to get in shape for Princess Bride. He was a gentle soul with a heart as big as he was. So grateful to have had him in my life. My condolences to his family. Rest in Power, Dave."
Yvette Nicole Brown
"This will be a thread of tribute to #DavidProwse [11], 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!" She then went on to share a thread dedicated others' memories of David before finishing it off with, "This touched me the most [12]. I have a soft spot for folks who make educating children in some way a part of their life's work. A generation of kids know him as the #GreenCrossCodeMan. What a beautiful legacy in addition to portraying #DarthVader"
Doug Jones
"David Prowse 1935~2020 [13] I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but as a legendary "brother under rubber" he will be missed. #DavidProwse #RIP"
Joe Manganiello
"David Prowse as Darth Vader was BRILLIANT [14]. He was so unbelievably magical in that suit. I've watched Empire so many times with the sound off just to watch how he moved. His physical choices were as iconic as James' voice to me & aside from all of that he was such a nice man. RIP"
John Barrowman
"#DaveProwse has passed away [15]. #fanfamily We knew him best as #DarthVader. Dave got me into shape/trained me for my role in Matador. He was a genuine, kind, loving man, loved life, family, fitness and his fans. Dave was a huge part of our #confamily his smile will be missed. Jb"
Antonio Banderas
"May the Force be with you [16]. RIP David Prowse"