• 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.
• Before becoming an actor, Prowse was a bodybuilder and even won the title of Mr. Universe in 1960.
• Prowse was originally cast as the Green Cross Code Man, a safety character in the UK, promoting road safety to children.
• He was considered for the role of Chewbacca before ultimately being selected for Darth Vader.
• 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.
• Despite his role as Vader, Prowse was often typecast in villainous roles due to his large stature.
• He had a tumultuous relationship with George Lucas and was not invited to participate in the Star Wars 30th Anniversary celebrations.
• Prowse reprised his role as Darth Vader in several Star Wars video games and animated series, further cementing his legacy.
• He was a strong advocate for physical fitness and even authored a fitness book called “The Darth Vader Workout.”
• Prowse passed away in November 2020, but his legacy as Darth Vader continues to influence pop culture and inspire fans around the world.
