Tributes have poured in after the original Darth Vader has died.
British actor David Prowse, best known for his role as the Sith lord, was 85 and died after a short illness.
The hulky ex-bodybuilder, played the iconic role in the original Star Wars trilogy, which was voiced by American actor James Earl Jones.
In his 50-year career Prowse, towering at two metres, was typecast as a villain.
But, writes the Daily Mail, he was most proud of his TV ads as the Green Cross Code Man, teaching kids road safety. The role earned him an MBE.
His agent Thomas Bowington told the BBC: “May the force be with him, always. Though famous for playing many monsters - for myself, and all who knew Dave and worked with him, he was a hero in our lives.”
Reportedly spotted by Star Wars director George Lucas in his role as a bodyguard in another fliek, Prowse auditioned for Darth Vader and Chewbacca.
Paying tribute, Magic Mike star Joe Manganiello said: “David Prowse as Darth Vader was BRILLIANT. He was so unbelie-vably magical in that suit. I’ve watched Empire so many times with the sound off just to watch how he moved.”
David Prowse as Darth Vader was BRILLIANT. 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 pic.twitter.com/8OXI7DFdWZ
— JOE MANGANIELLO (@JoeManganiello) November 29, 2020