Born: July 1, 1935 – Died: November 28, 2020
David "Dave" Prowse, a towering figure in the entertainment industry, was born into a working-class family in Bristol, England. Raised by his mother, he overcame early academic struggles to find his calling in bodybuilding and weight training. This physical prowess not only won him the British heavyweight weightlifting title but also launched him into a career in show business.
Early Life and Career
Prowse's initial foray into the entertainment world was influenced by his remarkable physique. He first gained recognition in weightlifting competitions, including the prestigious Mr. Universe contest. His success in this arena led to lifelong friendships with notable actors and a role as a respected member of the fitness community. He authored fitness books and became the head of fitness for the renowned Harrods store.
Prowse's acting career took off with his portrayal of various villains, including his iconic role as Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" trilogy. Despite not providing the voice for Vader, his physical portrayal of the character is unforgettable and made him a household name. His choice to play the villain, as he believed "everyone remembers the villain," was a testament to his understanding of the film industry.
In addition to his acting career, Prowse was known for his dedication to public service, especially in road safety as the Green Cross Code Man. This role, designed to teach children about road safety, was one he considered among his most rewarding. He was honored with the Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to charity and public service.
Prowse also ventured into writing, penning his autobiography "Straight from the Force's Mouth," which offers an insider's view of his career and the "Star Wars" production. His life off-screen was equally eventful, marked by his marriage to Norma E. Scammell and their three children. His later years were spent engaging with "Star Wars" fans worldwide, despite health challenges.
David Prowse's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is indelible. He was more than just the man behind Darth Vader's mask; he was a versatile actor, a fitness guru, and a dedicated public servant. His legacy as an icon lies not just in his roles but in the breadth of his contributions to both the screen and society.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Mission Backup Earth (TV Series) | Professor Henry Wales |
| 2015 | Southern Troopers (TV Series) | Force Ghost |
| 2011 | The Kindness of Strangers | Frank Bryan |
| 2011 | Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope - Deleted Scenes (Video) | Darth Vader |
| 2011 | Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi: Deleted Scenes (Video) | Darth Vader |
| 2006 | Open Mic'rs | Dave Prowse |
| 2006 | Order of the Sith: Downfall (Short) | Commander Prowse |
| 2004 | Saving Star Wars | Dave Prowse |
| 2003 | Ravedactyl: Project Evolution (Short) | Sunder |
| 1998 | Vita lögner (TV Series) | Hotel Guest |
| 1997 | Monopoly Star Wars (Video Game) | Darth Vader |
| 1989 | Crossbow (TV Series) | Cassius |
| 1984 | More Bloody Meetings (Video) | Businessman |
| 1969–1984 | The Benny Hill Show (TV Series) | Strongman | Muscleman in 'Ye Olde Wishing Well' Sketch (uncredited) |
| 1983 | *Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi* | Darth Vader |
| 1981 | The Rose Medallion (TV Series) | Stanley |
| 1981 | Take a Chance (TV Series) | Atom (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1981 | The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (TV Series) | Bodyguard (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1980 | The Morecambe & Wise Show (TV Series) | Cosmo the Giant (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1980 | *Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back* | Darth Vader |
| 1979 | The Edge of Night (TV Series) | Albert |
| 1978 | The BBC Television Shakespeare (TV Series) | Charles |
| 1978 | A Horseman Riding By (TV Series) | Jem Pollock (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1977 | The Dick Emery Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1977 | The People That Time Forgot | Executioner (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1977 | *Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope* | Darth Vader |
| 1977 | Gulliver's Travels | (uncredited) |
| 1977 | Jabberwocky | Red Herring and Black Knights (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1976 | Space: 1999 (TV Series) | Cloud Creature (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1976 | Warship (TV Series) | The Ape |
| 1976 | The Morecambe & Wise Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1976 | The Kenneth Williams Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1975 | Confessions of a Pop Performer | Man at Cinema |
| 1975 | ...And Mother Makes Five (TV Series) | (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1975 | Churchill's People (TV Series) | Hnaudifida |
| 1974 | Omnibus (TV Series) | Shadow of the Monster |
| 1974 | The Top Secret Life of Edgar Briggs (TV Series) | Johansson |
| 1974 | Callan | Arthur (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1974 | Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell | Monster (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1974 | Doctor at Sea (TV Series) | Nobby (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1973 | White Cargo | Harry (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1973 | The Two Ronnies (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1973 | Arthur of the Britons (TV Series) | Brosk | Col (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1973 | Sir Yellow (TV Series) | Bodyguard |
| 1973 | The Tomorrow People (TV Series) | Android (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1973 | Black Snake | Jonathan Walker (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1972 | Double Take | Actor |
| 1972 | Doctor Who (TV Series) | Minotaur (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1972 | Vampire Circus | Strongman (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1972 | The Chastity Belt | Sir Grumbel (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1971 | A Clockwork Orange | Julian |
| 1971 | The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine (TV Series) | Various Characters |
| 1971 | Carry on Henry VIII | Bearded Torturer (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1971 | Up Pompeii | Muscular Man (uncredited) |
| 1970 | From a Bird's Eye View (TV Series) | First Vespucci (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1970 | The Horror of Frankenstein | The Monster (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1970 | Ace of Wands (TV Series) | Kal |
| 1970 | Hark at Barker (TV Series) | Masseur (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1970 | Callan (TV Series) | Wellington (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1970 | Codename (TV Series) | Bodyguard |
| 1969 | Crossplot | Wedding guest |
| 1969 | Department S (TV Series) | Adolfo |
| 1969 | The Saint (TV Series) | Tony |
| 1968 | The Champions (TV Series) | Guest at Bey's party | Weightlifter (uncredited) |
| 1968 | Softly Softly (TV Series) | Johnny (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1968 | The Beverly Hillbillies (TV Series) | Emlyn MacGregor (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1968 | The Wednesday Play (TV Series) | Mooney |
| 1968 | Hammerhead | George |
| 1967 | I Am What I Am | Jelly-Roll's Partner (uncredited) |
| 1967 | Boy Meets Girl (TV Series) | Boy (as Dave Prowse) |
| 1967 | Casino Royale | Frankenstein's Creature (uncredited) |