David Prowse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Prowse
|
|
|---|---|
David Prowse in 2013
|
|
| Born | 1 July 1935 Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, UK
|
| Died | 28 November 2020 (aged 85) |
| Alma mater | Bristol Grammar School |
| Years active | 1956–2010 |
| Spouse(s) |
Norma Prowse
(m. 1963) |
David Charles Prowse (born 1 July 1935 – died 28 November 2020) was an English bodybuilder, weightlifter, and actor. He was best known around the world for playing Darth Vader in the original Star Wars movies. Another actor, James Earl Jones, did Vader's voice. In 2015, David Prowse was in a movie about his role as Vader called I Am Your Father.
Before Star Wars, Prowse was famous in the UK as the first Green Cross Code man. This character taught children how to be safe on the roads.
David Prowse was married to Norma Prowse from 1963 until he passed away. He died on 28 November 2020, at the age of 85.
Contents
Growing Up and Early Life
David Prowse grew up in Bristol, England. He was very tall, standing at 6 feet 6 inches. He became very interested in bodybuilding.
When he was younger, he worked as a bouncer at a dance hall. He also helped out at a swimming pool. In 1961, he won the British heavyweight weightlifting championship. Because of his success, he moved to London in 1963 to work for a weightlifting company.
Playing Darth Vader
David Prowse is most famous for playing Darth Vader in the first three Star Wars films. Even though he wore the suit, James Earl Jones provided Vader's deep voice. Prowse said he practiced his lines. He did not know his voice would be replaced until he saw the movie. This made him upset, but he later joked about it.
During the filming of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, a big secret was kept. The famous line, "No, I am your father," was not in the script. Only Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, learned it just before filming. Prowse was not told because his lines would be dubbed anyway. He found out about this major plot twist when he watched the movie for the first time.
Prowse wanted to play Darth Vader again in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. However, his requests were not accepted. He later started signing his autographs "David Prowse IS Darth Vader." This showed how much he felt connected to the role.
Other Acting Roles
In the United Kingdom, Prowse was also well-known as the Green Cross Code Man. He was part of a road safety campaign for children. This campaign ran from 1976 to 1990.
He appeared in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange as a bodyguard. He also played the Minotaur in the 1972 Doctor Who TV show. In 1981, he was a bodyguard in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy TV show.
David Prowse played Frankenstein's Monster in two different movies. First, he was in The Horror of Frankenstein. Later, he played the monster again in Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell.
Other Activities and Achievements
Prowse was a talented weightlifter. He represented England in the weightlifting event. This was at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Western Australia.
He helped train actor Christopher Reeve for his role as Superman. Prowse was also a leader of the 501st Legion. This is a fan group dedicated to Star Wars costumes.
In 1999, thieves broke into Prowse's home. They stole the lightsaber prop he used in the Star Wars movies. They also took some of his other belongings.
Awards and Honours
In 2000, David Prowse was given an award called Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). He received this honour for his work with charities and for promoting road safety.
Images for kids
-
Prowse in 2007
-
Prowse and Jayce Lewis, photographed in 2015
-
David Prowse and Jayce Lewis with Darth Vader helmet
See also
In Spanish: David Prowse para niños
