1. David Prowse was the man behind the iconic Darth Vader, providing the physical presence for the character, while James Earl Jones lent his iconic voice.
2. Before becoming an actor, Prowse was a bodybuilder and even won the title of Mr. Universe in 1960.
3. Prowse was originally cast as the Green Cross Code Man, a safety character in the UK, promoting road safety to children.
4. He was considered for the role of Chewbacca before ultimately being selected for Darth Vader.
5. Prowse’s height (6 feet 7 inches) made him a perfect fit for the imposing figure of Vader, adding to the character’s fearsome reputation.
6. Despite his role as Vader, Prowse was often typecast in villainous roles due to his large stature.
7. He had a tumultuous relationship with George Lucas and was not invited to participate in the Star Wars 30th Anniversary celebrations.
8. Prowse reprised his role as Darth Vader in several Star Wars video games and animated series, further cementing his legacy.
9. He was a strong advocate for physical fitness and even authored a fitness book called “The Darth Vader Workout.”
10. Prowse passed away in November 2020, but his legacy as Darth Vader continues to influence pop culture and inspire fans around the world.
