Star Wars actor David Prowse has sadly passed away at the age of 85.
The 6ft 6in former bodybuilder played Darth Vader in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. He was cast because of his imposing physique, but because his West Country accent was deemed unsuitable for the role, James Earl Jones was brought in to provide the voice of the iconic villain.
Prowse was arguably more famous in Britain for playing the Green Cross Code Man, becoming the face of British road safety for more than a decade and earning an MBE for his efforts.
Over the course of his 50-year career, he also appeared in the likes of Casino Royale (1967), Horror Of Frankenstein, The Saint, Space 1999, Doctor Who, and A Clockwork Orange.
"May the force be with him, always!" said his agent Thomas Bowington. "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's Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill also paid tribute to the late actor with the following Tweet.
Our thoughts go out to David Prowse's friends and family during this difficult time.
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