Legendary STAR WARS And LOTR Sword Master Bob Anderson Passes Away

Known best for his work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the original Star Wars movies as Darth Vader, the sword master and trainer has died. Read on for details.

By JoshWilding - Jan 02, 2012 05:01 AM EST

Filed Under: Sci-Fi

It has been confirmed that Bob Anderson passed away peacefully yesterday in hospital The British Academy of Fencing reports. He was 89. He's best known for his work as a sword master or trainer on The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the original Star Wars movies, Highlander, The Three Musketeers, The Legend of Zorro, Die Another Day and many, many more (including The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey).

Digital Spy point out a 1983 interview with Mark Hamill in which he revealed that it was Anderson who was in the Darth Vader costume during A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi's lightsabre battles, not David Prowse. "Bob Anderson was the man who actually did Vader's fighting. It was always supposed to be a secret, but I finally told [George Lucas] I didn't think it was fair anymore. Bob worked so bloody hard that he deserves some recognition. It's ridiculous to preserve the myth that it's all done by one man."

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36 Comments

epiccomicfan99 - 1/2/2012, 5:33 AM

R.I.P

PaulRom - 1/2/2012, 5:43 AM

Sad news. RIP.

antman73 - 1/2/2012, 5:54 AM

I practice medival fencing and he's renowed for his work.
I've watched "RECLAMING THE BLADE" a wonderful documentary about swords and sword fighting. He obviously was in it, along with Viggo Mortensen who said that was a honor to be trained by him. Check for it u won't regret it.

HavocPrime - 1/2/2012, 6:12 AM

Damn, what a bad start to a new year :( RIP

Jolt17 - 1/2/2012, 6:12 AM

Sad beginning for a year, may he rest in peace.

sarahsatire - 1/2/2012, 6:43 AM

Wow, what an incredible body of work this guy has had... His contributions toward our entertainment are legendary. I'm glad that Mark Hamill had the courage to come out with the truth and credit him with the Darth Vader lightsaber battles.

Thank you for the inspiring fight sequences, Bob Anderson. This gives me even more reason to watch The Hobbit now.

YourMomNaked - 1/2/2012, 7:13 AM

@grif...shame, cuz some of his best (and more famous) work IS in LOTR. I wonder if he invented the OB1 spin move in NH?

SCURVYDOG619 - 1/2/2012, 7:43 AM

The man trained Errol Flynn to fence. Errol Flynn! Just for that alone,he should be revered. RIP

GUNSMITH - 1/2/2012, 7:53 AM

AWW RIP REAL DARTH...OOH THIS IS COOL..

Newbus - 1/2/2012, 8:00 AM

I always it was just The Empire Strikes back he doubled for Dave Prowse.

R.I.P.

AGENTJAY1130 - 1/2/2012, 8:18 AM

RIP!!!

TheYesGuy - 1/2/2012, 8:40 AM

The man who gave us those memorable movies..

RIP..!!!

animeex - 1/2/2012, 8:43 AM

Nice info SCURVYDOG619... I love Errol Flynn movies. This man did a great job and I am very sure will be missed and remembered.

WellDrawn - 1/2/2012, 8:58 AM

If anyone hasn't' checked out 'Reclaiming the Blade' be sure to do so. It's on Netflix watch instantly. You won't regret it.

loki668 - 1/2/2012, 9:15 AM

R.I.P. to a legendary swordsman.

Lord Loki has spoken

marvel72 - 1/2/2012, 9:27 AM

r.i.p bob anderson

thank you for the part you played in creating the greatest movie villain of all time.

EtriganTheDemon - 1/2/2012, 9:49 AM

R.I.P, We'll never have such heart-pounding duels ever again :(

SecretAvenger001 - 1/2/2012, 10:00 AM

Good bye and thank you Bob! You will be forever remembered as the one true Darth Vader!

headlopper - 1/2/2012, 10:30 AM

@yossarian - Very clever. Good one.

DigiTradArt - 1/2/2012, 10:42 AM

Thank you Bob for all that you have done.
R.I.P.

Mikfly - 1/2/2012, 10:53 AM

R.I.P

Rothwilder - 1/2/2012, 12:42 PM

No one mentions the orignal Highlander in the comments?

That was some good work.

Jefferys - 1/2/2012, 12:58 PM

Everything is guy touched was instant and pure gold. The world just won't be he same, or sword duels for that matter.

churchgriff - 1/2/2012, 1:53 PM

A true master has passed.

thatcoldblackcloud - 1/2/2012, 6:05 PM

Out of empathy for his family i will say: R.I.P.

But honestly... Who cares?

Legendary STAR WARS And LOTR Sword Master Bob Anderson Passes Away

Known best for his work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the original Star Wars movies as Darth Vader, the sword master and trainer has died. Read on for details.

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