The Star Wars franchise loses another original cast member as David Prowse passes away

From the very first time Darth Vader walked onto movie screens in 1977, fans were roped in. Former bodybuilder and strongman competitor David Prowse was the man inside the Darth Vader costume while the character was voiced by James Earl Jones. Yesterday, David Prowse died at age 85. He joins Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) as original cast members who have passed away.

Yesterday, Star Wars actors took time to remember David Prowse with nothing but love, adoration and respect for many described as a gentile giant.

British actor David Prowse on the set of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin Kershner. (Photo by Lucasfilm/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
The stars of ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ attend a photocall outside the Savoy Hotel, London, 19th May 1980. Left to right: Harrison Ford, David Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew and Mark Hamill, 19th May 1980. (Photo by Alisdair MacDonald/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

For those of us blessed to be raised with Star Wars as our childhood backdrop, it is a sad time. Another actor is a film franchise that is so endearing has passed away.

As a young kid in 1977, I did not know weather I should cheer, scream in horror or run for the exit when Darth Vader walked on screen. I ended up riding it out, although my initial thought and impulse was to run for the hills screaming the whole way.

At 6′ 6″ and built like a sheet of muscle David Prowse, was perhaps the perfect choice to bring the iconic Darth Vader to life. As imposing a figure as Prowse was he was equally as gentile according to those who knew him best.

It is never fun when a person dies. But those of us who grew up seeing the original Star Wars films in their first theater run’s was pure magic. We grew to know the actors and actresses names and talked about them like they were close friends or family members.

For Star Wars cast members I am sure it is a sad time and time to reflect on a person who they knew better than any fan could. For Mr. Prowse family I’m sure it is an even sadder time.

British actor David Prowse on the set of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin Kershner. (Photo by Lucasfilm/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

For us fans, it is sad as well. But we are grateful to get a glimpse of the skills David Prowse brought to Star Wars.

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