CNN: “British actor David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original ‘Star Wars’ trilogy, has died aged 85, his management company announced Sunday. Prowse died after a short illness, according to his agent Thomas Bowington. CNN reported in 2018 that Prowse was being treated for prostate cancer. ‘It’s with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world, to announce that our client DAVE PROWSE M.B.E. has passed away at the age of 85,’ Bowington Management said on Twitter Sunday.”
“‘May the force be with him, always!’ his former agent, Thomas Bowington, said in a statement to the BBC. ‘Though famous for playing many monsters – for myself, and all who knew Dave and worked with him, he was a hero in our lives.’ Prowse wore the black suit and helmet to play Darth Vader, but it was the actor James Earl Jones who provided the character’s voice. Prowse’s West Country English accent was thought to be unsuitable for the part.”